The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 34: Disease, Deception and Decisions of Salmon Farming in BC - A Conversation with Alexandra Morton

Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton

Guests: Alexandra Morton

Produced: Matthew Wakeham

Alexandra’s earliest interest in studying wildlife and the influence of Jane Goodall in her decision to pursue the life of a biologist. From American University to USC to Marineland, her early research focusing on bottle-nose dolphins transitions to studying captive Orcas. Witnessing the first captive birth of a killer whale and its death and the desire to transition to field work.

Echo Bay, Broughton Archipelago and the early days of sampling whale communication. The fork in the road and the pivotal role of her friend and fisherman Billy Proctor.

Understanding the salmon farm industry from its early days with IBEC and its transition to the global mega-companies like Cermaq, Grieg and Mowi. Salmon farms as “pathogen culture facilities” and their history of conflict and conservation concern in Europe and around the world.

Furunculosis, Sea lice, PRV, ISAV and other infections that have multiplied in effect and expanded into wild salmon.

DFO and the role of political and bureaucratic obfuscation of the impacts of salmon farming and a willful ignorance of their role in visiting pathogenic consequence on wild salmon.

The Cohen Commission and its long term recommendations. The role of activism in lifting visibility on the salmon farms.

First Nations engagement and 280 days of occupation on salmon farms. The key to success was ensuring Canadas first citizens were leading the discussion and the debate with the salmon farming industry.

The road ahead and the hope that salmon have turned a corner into recovery instead of extinction.

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