Celebrating 50 years of excellence in research and education:
A story of collaboration, persistence and innovation.
In the slideshow below, first presented at the PEEC 2022 conference in March 2022, we describe the story of the BMSC, which has grown as a result of a remarkable collaboration among 5 universities working together to provide a field station on the west coast of Vancouver Island. We share historical photographs from our archive and the first years as the Bamfield Marine Station, highlight how we have grown, and describe our journey and strategy for the future, as we plan for success as a sustainable, world-class research and education facility on the west coast of Canada.
Slide9
Amongst the original committee there was initial skepticism about whether Alberta universities would maintain their commitment to a site in British Columbia , and time has eased that doubt.UBC marine algal ecologist Dr. Robert deWreede, a long time BMSC researcher and instructor notes: "Alberta goes through these ups and downs. Over the years, when finances were short, the two Alberta universities sometimes stepped in to supply equipment that BC members could not. "Alberta has had deep pockets at times," he says, giving the example of BMSC's research ship, the MV Alta, which was purchased with Albertan donations and named for an abbreviation of the province, in 1982.The library addition was also donated in 1982 from funding provided by the Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations and the Alberta government. The library continues to be a unique gem with a fabulous view, tucked away in a remote village on the Pacific coast.As well, BC universities have also stepped in with donations, for example SFU archaeology department's gift of a liquid scintillation counter, and UVIC provides much administrative support.
Link to pdf’s of the original stories by Bill Austin and Chris Lobban
A very good year for small town marine biologists – by Bill Austin
1972: A very good year for small town marine biologists – by Chris Lobban
This presentation was created and presented by Dr. Heather Alexander
to the PEEC 2022 Conference, March 20, 2022.
Thank you to many photographers including; Ron Long, Oliver Evans, Iain R. Reid, Jeff Reynolds, Heather Alexander, Stella Peters, Lily Campbell, Paul Joseph, Bill Austin, Chris Lobban, and Leya Tess Anderson.