Project Description:
The Biological Sciences Complex at the University of British Columbia (UBC) was renovated to provide an efficient, flexible, world-class research facility for the Departments of Botany and Zoology. The facility consolidates UBC’s aquatic animal holding facilities into one 19,300 square foot area with 24 aquaria laboratories and ten controlled environment rooms which house numerous recirculating freshwater and seawater life support systems and standalone aquaria.
The Aquatic Research Laboratory (ARL) gives researchers access to critical, environmentally-controlled infrastructure to accelerate research that is urgently needed to guide and lead responsible and sustainable fisheries management. The lead program at the ARL is the Initiative for the Study of the Environment and Its Aquatic Systems (InSEAS). State-of-the-art marine and freshwater labs allow researchers to study salmon and other species at the genetic and ecosystem levels and to develop solutions to enhance and restore challenged and depleted stocks.
Integrated Aqua Systems, Inc. (IAS) was selected as the Aquaculture Systems Designer & Supplier for the project. As Aquatics Project Leader, Sam Courtland coordinated with the owner, contractors, architects and engineers to design, supply equipment, start up, commission and train operators on operation and maintenance of the systems. IAS collaborated with sub contractors to deliver an integrated design-build-supply solution for the advanced aquaculture research facility. Systems designed to accommodate fisheries and aquaculture research, include seven (7), 3,000 gallon high-density recirculating aquaculture systems and six (6) 2,000 gallon light density recirculating aquaculture systems. Applied RAS aquaculture technologies include computer controlled PermaBead™ solids removal, low-head biofiltration/degassification, UV and ozone disinfection, foam fractionation, heating & cooling. Facility systems supplied included VSA oxygenation, waste water treatment, and automated water quality monitoring, control and alarm systems for all aquatic systems supplied.
