About BC CAHS

From our humble beginning in 2005 and through to present day, BC CAHS has been focussed on building research and diagnostic capacity in fisheries and aquaculture. In this time, we have formed a network of scientific research collaborators and built bridges with industry. BC CAHS has successfully established ourselves as a world-class partner in the aquatic sciences.

Through our work in the wild, enhanced and farmed salmon sectors, we have strived to provide relevant, timely and reliable research and diagnostic information to help make informed decisions on key issues facing salmon. Our goal is to help restore salmon abundance in BC waters.

 

The BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences Society (BC CAHS) been in operation since 2005, and throughout its growth has focused on building research and diagnostic capacity, forming networks of collaborators and establishing itself as a world-class diagnostic and research facility in fisheries and aquaculture. BC CAHS is recognized locally, nationally and internationally for our services and productivity and for our outreach within the local community. BC CAHS has worked with the wild, enhanced, Indigenous and salmon farming communities within BC to provide relevant, timely and reliable research and diagnostic information to help make informed decisions on key issues facing salmon.

BC CAHS provides services to Provincial (BCMAL, BCMOE) and Federal (DFO, CFIA) government agencies and academic institutions (North Island College (NIC), University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver Island University (VIU) and Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC)). Through these collaborations, we continue to provide science-based results that result in a growing publications list.

We strive to provide non-biased, third-party information for the public, regulators and stakeholders to make informed decisions. These groups can be assured that the information provided is relevant and reliable, and is based on scientific method and rigour. We endeavour to provide information that is clear and uncomplicated so that all stakeholders and beneficiaries of the resources have a transparent and unbiased understanding of the facts.

CALA_LogoWe maintain our quality of lab services in part through ISO/IEC 17025 2017 accreditation (as approved on October 24, 2019 and revised on November 3, 2020 by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation) with screening for IHNV, IPNV, ISAV, PRV, R. sal and VHSV currently on our scope of accreditation. We practice proficiency through exchange of materials for testing between labs and adhere to international laboratory standards. We are recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as a Level 2 (AQC2) Aquatics Containment Facility and certified for Domestic Animal Movements between the three coasts of Canada. BC CAHS is authorized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for Title 50 (pathogen control for exports). All diagnostic and investigative work is controlled by Standard Operating Procedures.

Our main analytical laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art, specialized equipment allowing for a wide range of biochemical, molecular, and microscopic analyses. Our staff base is composed of highly qualified and skilled professionals with post-secondary degrees and training. We have on-going training for our staff to keep them current in their work.

Contact

Address

871A Island Hwy
Campbell River, BC
V9W 2C2

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