Noted marine biologist visits Mount Polley Mine spill site

Many pundits and experts are commenting on Mount Polley Mine’s tailing pond spill from afar, but independent marine biologist Alexandra Morton came to the Cariboo last weekend to have a look for herself.

She didn’t like what she saw.

“I am only a visitor to this disaster, but it has strengthened my resolve to do what I can to stop the stupidity of government that seems only interested in pillaging our home,” Morton said.

Morton has dedicated her life to protecting salmon.

As executive director of the Department of Wild Salmon, she works with salmon groups, First Nations, university departments, and labs, and she has published extensively on the impact of salmon farms on both salmon and whales.

She made this trip at the request of First Nations who live along the Fraser River, and while here she was guided by local residents who have a good knowledge of the area.

She specifically visited Hazeltine Creek, Polley Lake and Likely.

She took samples of water and sediment along with photos and videos, and she met with people who live in the impacted area.

One quarter of this year’s Fraser Sockeye run is expected to return to Quesnel Lake and she is concerned for their welfare.

“All those salmon will have swum past the waste on the sea (lake) floor that I sampled, and though the plume of mine tailings still pouring 13 days later into Quesnel Lake.  No one knows what will happen to them,” she said.

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