The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre was established in 1972 by the Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society (WCUMSS) in order to provide a permanent base for marine and coastal-oriented field operations on the west coast of Canada. The property consists of 75 hectares with approximately 3.0 kilometers of waterfront at the confluence of Grappler and Bamfield Inlets.

Situated within the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation in Barkley Sound, and adjacent the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, BMSC offers unparalleled access to a wide array of environments—including unique coastal, marine and rainforest habitats and exceptional species diversity.

BMSC is owned and operated by the non-profit Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society (WCUMSS) whose members are Simon Fraser University, the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, the University of Calgary, and the University of Victoria. The Society has a mandate to:

• Provide world-class research infrastructure for marine and coastal scientists from the member universities and from other Canadian and International institutes;
• Offer senior undergraduate and graduate courses and programs in marine and coastal sciences;
• Provide training for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and technicians in practical aspects of marine and coastal research;
• Offer in-residence programs in marine biology and general science to schools, colleges, First Nations and other public groups.