PBS Centennial Celebration 2008

Background

The Pacific Biological Station (the “Station”) was established by the Government of Canada in 1908 to provide a facility for fishery and aquatic research on the Pacific coast (comparable to a similar institution established in the same year at St. Andrews, NB). Upon opening its doors on the outskirts of Nanaimo, BC in the spring of that year, it quickly became a destination for investigators from many fields, including marine biologists, field naturalists, university scientists and keen volunteers. To this day, it remains a focal point for fishery and aquatic research in all areas along the Canadian Pacific coast, and the findings of its researchers continue to affect fisheries science around the world.

Open House (April 2008)

We helped celebrate our centennial by hosting a much-anticipated public open house during the third week of April. Over fifty displays showcasing current programs and research at the station were on display, along with a cooking display and tours of one of our research vessels, the W.E. Ricker. Nearly 20,000 visitors toured the station over five days. A big thank you to all staff and volunteers who shared their enthusiasm during this successful event!

Click on the photos to see larger versions

Centennial Lecture Series PBS hosted a series of three public lectures during our centennial year to share our celebration with the local community. In April, Mark Angelo gave his slideshow presentation titled "Wild Water, Wild Earth". In June, PBS hosted a climate change panel discussion with three local experts. In September, well known artist Ray Troll gave a matinee presentation to nearly 500 local school children, as well as an all ages presentation in the evening. Click on the thumbnails of the presentation posters to see larger versions. Centennial Reception and Evening of Science (October 2008) Representatives from local government, provincial agencies, industry partners and retired staff joined current staff at a reception and evening gala on October 1, 2008 to conclude the year's celebrations. The Assistant Deputy Minster - Science, Dr. Wendy Watson-Wright addressed the audience at this event. Click on the photos to see larger versions An Evening of Science concluded the day's events with Drs. Ruth Withler, Marc Trudel and John Ford making presentations at the newly opened Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Click on the photos to see larger versions