To mark this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8, Canadian Federation of University Women Parksville Qualicum has invited Alexandra Morton, a Vancouver Island-based marine biologist, often called “the Jane Goodall of Canada”, to share her insights after 35 years researching and protecting orcas and wild salmon.
“While there is still much to despair in our world where women's rights are non-existent, or being further eroded, I like to focus on the distance we have travelled in securing and celebrating the gains we have made,” said Christine Pagan, president CFUW PQ.
CFUW, a non-partisan and non-political organization, is a strong advocate for the rights of women and children locally, nationally and internationally.
“Our founding values mirror what we celebrate globally on IWD,” added Pagan.
Morton began her work as an independent scientist studying orca vocalizations in the Broughton Archipelago when industrial salmon farms arrived in 1989.
She worked to reduce and then remove the impact of salmon farms. Over 35 years, her efforts escalated from letters and lawsuits to activism and now collaboration with First Nations governments dedicated to wild salmon.
“With 50 per cent of B.C. salmon farms closed, wild salmon are now rebounding in some regions,” she said.
Morton has authored numerous scientific papers related to fish farms, sea lice, viruses or salmon population dynamics. She has also written six books including Not on My Watch, an essential read for anyone who cares about the dwindling wild salmon population. Morton is now returning part-time to her research on whales.
The event is set for March 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Knox United Church (345 Pym St.) in Parksville.
All are welcome to attend this free event. Donations are welcome at the door.
CFUW-PQ is one of 100 clubs under the national federation founded in 1919 and is committed to promoting equality, education and opportunities for women and girls locally, nationally and internationally. CFUW-PQ’s Scholarship and Bursary Trust provides financial assistance to post-secondary and post-graduate students from Oceanside. In 2024, the group gave out 21 awards totalling $67,000 and this spring it will be accepting applications for scholarships and bursaries. Funding for awards comes from donations and money raised at the book sale held annually at the Coombs Fairground.
