The Center for Aquaculture & Environmental Research is a specialized centre for aquaculture and coastal research. The facility is comprised of a main lab building and warehouse which were officially opened in 1987, seven smaller ancillary buildings of varying vintage - some dating back 40 years, and a wharf constructed in 1971/72. The six-hectare site offers a unique water supply for experimental research involving fish rearing. Constant temperature well-water, ambient temperature freshwater from nearby Cypress Creek, and seawater from Burrard inlet supply laboratory and aquarium facilities. The Center for Aquaculture & Environmental Research  is in the process of becoming a centre of innovation with partners from government, industry and academia. An increasing portion of the centre is being leased to outside partners whose research interests complement DFO's and make use of the specialized facilities.

The following research areas are represented at the Center for Aquaculture & Environmental Research :

• Marine Ecosystems and Aquaculture

• Salmon and Freshwater Ecosystems