BMSC Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

Field trips

Oceanography and Biodiversity in Grappler Inlet (2 hours)
Grappler Inlet provides the backdrop for an examination of the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the ocean. Oceanographic measurements and plankton collections are taken at two locations, the head and mouth of the inlet. At each location students measure temperature, salinity, and turbidity. Back in the laboratory, the data are discussed, comparing between the head and mouth of the inlet, and added to an ongoing multi-year study. The Plankton Lab provides a microscopic examination of the sample.

Research Vessel MV Alta (>1.5 hours)
A field trip to the Deer Group Islands on the MV Alta includes sampling from the subtidal environment and marine mammal and bird observation. A dredge net sampling from the sea floor yields a diversity of organisms including sea stars, urchins, octopuses, crabs, fish, sea cucumbers, and many others not inhabiting the intertidal zone. During a trip to the open ocean, depending upon the season and migration pattern, whales, harbour seals, sea lions, and a diversity of marine birds can be observed. There is an additional cost for these trips, please see pricing guide (maximum 12 people per trip).

Research Vessel Barkley Star
Experience marine mammal and bird surveys in BMSC’s research and diving vessel. The Barkley Star is equipped with a remotely operated vehicle.

There is an additional cost for these trips, please see pricing guide (maximum 12 people per trip).

Intertidal Exploration (3-4 hours)
Brady’s Beach, with its picturesque sea stacks, sandy and rocky shores, and Eagle Bay, with an outstanding diversity of intertidal animals and seaweeds provide opportunities to observe the organisms in their natural environment. Brady’s Beach is an ideal site to conduct quantitative and qualitative studies, for example, tide pool studies involve mapping, estimating volume, and observing organismal interactions. Eagle Bay has a spectacular diversity of marine algae.

Temperate Rainforest Ecology (1 – 3 hours)
Experience Vancouver Island’s coastal temperate rainforest. BMSC’s forest path meanders through old growth before entering into second growth, allowing students to compare the two. Quantitative studies using biodiversity indices can be done here. Study the biology of many plants, including fungi, mosses, ferns, shrubs, and trees and learn about traditional cultural uses (ethnobotany) with our Education Team. Culturally modified trees along the path illustrate how first nations people harvest from trees.  Temperate rainforest ecology can also be incorporated with the Brady’s Beach, Pachena Bay or day-long hike on the West Coast Trail.

Laboratory study

BMSC provides flexible research and teaching support with specialized laboratories for physical ecology, hydrodynamics, animal behavior, plant and animal ecology, molecular biology, comparative fish physiology, neurophysiology, developmental biology, and aquaculture.

See our Facilities page for an overview

3-Day Sample Itinerary, Invertebrate Biology Class

Day 1
17:00     Arrive at BMSC, settle into accommodations
18:00     Dinner in cafeteria

Day 2 (Low tide of 1.0 m @ 14:12)
7:30     Breakfast
8:30     Tour of the facilities and safety orientation (Meet in traffic circle) (two groups)

12:30   Lunch
13:30   All: Field trip: Sandy and rocky shores of Brady’s beach (Meet at docks)

18:00   Dinner
19:00   All: Presentation: Future study opportunities at BMSC (Rix A)

Day 3
7:30     Breakfast, pack up and move out of accommodations. Move gear to Main Bldg. Foyer

13:30   (Optional) souvenir sales in the Whale Lab, load bus.

14:00   Depart BMSC

In 2014, UBC students from these courses participated in BMSC field trips:

• UBC Science One Program  with Dr. Pierre Kennepohl.
• BIOL 326 – Experimental Biology of Invertebrates with Dr. Chris Harley
• BIOL 465 – Diversity and Evolution of Fishes with Dr. Rick Taylor
• EOSC 473 – Methods in Oceanography with Dr. Rich Pawlowicz, Dr. Maite Maldonado and Dr. Evgeny Pakhomov
• UBC University Transitions Program with David Coopersmith.

In 2014, SFU students from these courses participated in BMSC field trips:

• BISC 306 – Invertebrate Biology with Dr. Mike Hart
• BISC 326 – Biology of Algae and Fungi with Dr. Sherryl Bisgrove and Dr. Mala Fernando
• GEOG 310 – Physical Geography Field Course with Dr. Jeremy Venditti and B-Jae Kelly

University of Alberta students last participated in BMSC field trips in 2009:

• Zool 250 – Survey of the Invertebrates, with Dr. Richard Palmer

• FIF 400 – Fall Migration on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Fall 2015. University of Calgary Continuing Education, Adult Languages, Liberal Arts and Lifestyles (ALL) with Patsy Knutson

• Ambrose University College – ZOO 379 – Introduction to Marine Biology, with Dr. Carol Gibbons Kroeker (also an Adjunct Professor at University of Calgary)
• St. Mary’s University College with Dr. Mary-Ann McLean
• Douglas College – BIOL 2300 – Marine Biology with Dr. Todd Harper
• Thompson Rivers University – BIOL 410 – Field Methods in Marine Ecology with Dr. Louis Gosselin
• Quest University Canada – Marine Diversity with Dr. Marjorie Wonham and Dr. Chris Neufeld
• Capilano University – BIOL 212 – Invertebrate Zoology with Marja de Jong Westman
• MacEwan University – ZOOL 250 – Survey of the Invertebrates and BIOL 361 – Marine Biology with Dr. Mike Stock
• Vancouver Island University – BIOL 310 – Invertebrate Zoology with Dr. Tim Goater and BIOL 329 – Vertebrates of BC with Dr. Jane Watson
• North Island College – Tourism Coastal Adventure Program with Aisling Brady and David Pinel
• Langara College – BIOL 2450 – Invertebrate Biology and BIOL 2440 – Non-Vascular Botany with Kathy Hanson
• Lyon College (Arkansas), with Dr. Tim Lindblom