Research at the
Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Aquarium Research pursues investigations to ensure the best care of its collections and to inform on lessons learned for the conservation of populations in the wild.

Overview

Research at the Vancouver Aquarium

A comprehensive scientific program that contributes to conservation planning in the wild and enhances the care of animals at the Vancouver Aquarium. Research at the Vancouver Aquarium is conducted by world-class scientists, biologists, veterinarians, animal care technicians and scholars. 

01

Propagation Program

Members of the Propagation Program are on a mission to fulfill the Aquarium’s outreach, research, and the conservation goals through responsible propagation and cultivation of new and existing species. 

02

Animal Rehabilitation and Health

The primary goal of the Animal Health Department is to ensure the well-being and welfare of animals in the Aquarium’s diverse animal collection and to care for, rehabilitate, and release rescued individuals taken into the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.

03

Marine Mammal Energetics and Ecology Program

Many wild populations of marine mammals are declining. Our goal is to conduct research under precise scientific conditions, with trained animals, to directly facilitate the conservation of wild populations.

Propagation

Responsible propagation

And cultivation of new and existing species at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Amphibian Ark

We have joined forces with zoos and aquariums around the world to try and stop hundreds of species from vanishing forever in a global effort called Amphibian Ark (AArk). AArk’s goal is to rescue at least 500 of the most threatened species.

Propagation and Research Lab

The Vancouver Aquarium's Propagation and Research Lab has been operating for over 30 years and is a recognized leader amongst zoos and aquariums around the world in the culturing of temperate marine fish and invertebrates.

Arctic Lab

Refining husbandry techniques of wild-caught Arctic fishes and invertabrates

Jellyfish Lab

The Vancouver Aquarium's Jellyfish Lab is home to over 30 different species from around the world. We culture jellies not only for display, but for education and research as well.

Animal Health

Animal health and rehabilitation

We ensure the well-being and welfare of animals at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Veterinary Medicine

The Animal Health Department also has a vibrant research program that furthers the Aquarium’s goal of improving the lives of animals maintained temporarily or permanently under human care, as well as animals in the wild.

Marine Mammal Rescue

We are Canada's only dedicated marine mammal rescue facility. Our rescue program is also one of the largest rescue facilities in the world - rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing over 150 marine mammals each year.

Energetics

Marine mammal energetics and ecology

Conducting research to directly facilitate the conservation of populations in the wild.

Steller Sea Lions

Scientists perform studies with a group of Steller sea lions, held at both the Vancouver Aquarium and UBC’s Open Water Research Station. Many of the studies explore the possible effects of changes in the types and amounts of prey that are available in the

Northern Fur Seals

A group of 5 northern fur seals are permanently housed at the Vancouver Aquarium. These highly trained animals participate in research projects that help shed light on what might be negatively affecting their conspecifics in the wild.

In the field

Coastal Ocean Research Institute (CORI)

The Coastal Ocean Research Institute (CORI) conducts leading and collaborative research on ocean sciences, evaluates human impacts on coastal environments, and integrates information to produce high-level assessments of the state of the coastal ocean. CORI’s research team is at the forefront of a number of conservation science initiatives, and seeks to document conservation threats in ways that enable mitigation, protection and/or recovery of aquatic species and habitats. CORI staff conducts research in the field and in the lab, using novel study designs and cutting-edge technologies. CORI is headquartered at the Vancouver Aquarium in Vancouver and operates a laboratory facility at the Pacific Science Enterprise Centre in West Vancouver.

Read about CORI's research

Read about the Aquarium's research

Aquablog

DNA: A Key piece in the puzzle of Killer Whale Conservation

Aquablog

A Whale of a Season — Part 2

Marine Mammal Rescue

Rescued, Rehabilitated, Released: A Shark’s Story

Marine Mammal Rescue

Milestone Day at Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre

Read about CORI's research

Aquablog

DNA: A Key piece in the puzzle of Killer Whale Conservation

Aquablog

A Whale of a Season — Part 2

Read about the Aquarium's research

Marine Mammal Rescue

Rescued, Rehabilitated, Released: A Shark’s Story

Marine Mammal Rescue

Milestone Day at Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre

Looking for more?

View Ocean Wise Research

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