Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, British Columbia, has been working with the white sturgeon since 1984 conducting field and laboratory research projects as well as teaching students and the general public about these amazing fish.   To continue developing sturgeon research, VIU has reached a stage that requires an expansion of its facilities. The World Sturgeon Conservation Society has also identified the need for a dedicated sturgeon research centre in North America. To fill these needs, VIU has constructed the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies (ICSS) on campus.

The ICSS will bring together research activities at the regional, national and international levels involving conservation, enhancement and commercial interests.  It will provide facilities for controlled research projects and be a base for field research programs.  According to the the ICSS website, a research team has been assembled that includes world-class and emerging new scientists from across Canada, the United States and internationally (Russia, Germany, Iran, France and Italy). Their research will aid in conserving and restoring endangered sturgeon populations worldwide.

Vancouver Island University, the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies and the City of Nanaimo have announced they will host the 7th International Symposium on Sturgeon (ISS7) in July, 2013 in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. See video for more information.