Emerging Environments22 Apr 2023

#28 The department of wild salmon with Alexandra Morton

For this 1st episode of season 3, we welcomed author, scientist and activist, Alexandra Morton. In 2021, Alexandra published her book entitled Not on my watch: how a renegade whale biologist took on governments and industry to save wild salmon to great interest and acclaim. Her book details the history and controversy surrounding the impact of salmon farming on wild salmon populations on the coast of British Columbia. This episode was unique because we were also joined by students from the Conservation and Biodiversity field of our Master of Environmental Science program here at the University of Toronto-Scarborough. I assigned Alexandra’s book for my Scientific Literacy class this past semester and we invited the students to take part in the conversation with Alexandra, and as you’ll hear they had many fantastic questions about Alexandra’s science and activism, and also the more personal side of her journey.

We had a fascinating conversation with Alexandra where we explored the history and controversy of salmon farming in BC, including her scientific contributions on the ecological impact of salmon farming and her challenges towards both the work and actions of both the department of fisheries and oceans (which we refer to as DFO) and the provincial government of BC. The full extent of the story is also captured in the documentary the unofficial trial of Alexandra Morton, which details her experience testifying for the cohen commission on the decline of the Fraser River Sockeye. We also spoke about her relationship with Indigenous communities along the British Columbia coast and the variable positions of Indigenous governments on the practice of salmon farming.

It was truly an immersive conversation about a very complex topic, and one that demands a perspective grounded in scientific literacy. Alexandra’s work exposed the environmental externalities resulting from the poorly regulated salmon farming industry, and it was a privilege to speak to her about her story and her science. And we’d like to also thank the Master of Environmental Science students for being a huge part of the conversation.

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Avsnitt(56)

#55 The stories we tell about nature - with Kristy Ferraro and Adam Meyer

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#54 The nature of rewilded communities with Jode Roberts

In this episode, we connected with Toronto-based artist, community builder, and urban rewilder, Jode Roberts. For over fifteen years, Jode has been developing national programs and campaigns at the Da...

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#53 The science behind the flames: Mike Wotton on Canada’s Fire Danger System

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#52 What is evidence in conservation science and practice? A conversation with Steve Cooke

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#51 Wildlife vet for Uganda's critically endangered mountain gorillas: Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

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22 Apr 50min

#50 It's all happening at the Toronto Zoo! A conversation with Dolf Dejong

In this episode, we are speaking with Dolf DeJong, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Zoo. Dolf has had an exciting career at the intersection of conservation, public spaces and education. Dolf jo...

28 Juli 202545min

#49 Is hydrogen the energy source of the future? a conversation with Joe Romm

Today we are speaking with Joseph Romm, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media. Joe holds a PhD in physics from MIT and has authore...

10 Juli 20251h 14min

#48 Climate science in the crosshairs with Adam Sobel

In this episode we are speaking with Adam Sobel, Professor of Applied Physics, Mathematics and Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University. Adam is an atmospheric and climate scientist and...

10 Juni 20251h 5min