VIU partners with brewery to raise awareness about ocean research

The special-made brew has a unique ingredient, algae, that sets it apart and pays homage to research at Deep Bay.

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Deep Bay Marine Field Station and Love Shack Libations are brewing up awareness about climate change research.

They’ve partnered to create a gose-style beer called “There Gose the Ocean” that is launching at Victoria Beer Week during Lift Off!, a special event for brand new beers from BC breweries. 

“Across Canada we really need to drive home the message quickly that we are experiencing major changes in our local environment and partnering with a brewery to get that message out is invaluable,” said Dr. Timothy Green, VIU’s Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genomics.

Dave Paul, owner of Love Shack Libations, wanted to give back to the community and support the research at Deep Bay. Each beer bottle label has a website link leading people to learn more about research conducted at Deep Bay.

“I really hope people enjoy it, but I also hope that people will stop and follow the link and see what the VIU research centre is doing to try and help save us,” he said. “Drink beer – save the oceans.”

Algae is the unique ingredient that sets this beer apart. It was chosen because Deep Bay produces algae in its lab and uses it to feed shellfish larvae.  

At Deep Bay, researchers are examining how shellfish will adapt to climate change. Scallops and oysters are bred to understand their response to climate change stressors such as ocean acidification, marine heat waves and atmospheric rivers. 

Burning fossil fuels creates carbon dioxide, which enters the air and the oceans. This leads to ocean acidification, making it more difficult for shellfish to form their shells.

VIU researchers publish papers on their climate change findings, but Green said the challenge is getting that information out to the public and front and centre in their minds. Green said there is a climate emergency, but society is responding slowly.

Water samples at Deep Bay are collected in recycled beer bottles. Green said they need amber bottles that they can seal and recycled beer bottles fit perfectly. 

Learn more about climate change research at Deep Bay.

-30-

Media Contact:

Rachel Stern, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.618.0373l E: Rachel.Stern@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews