Our History

1984

Alexandra Morton arrives in Echo Bay, and begins studying killer whales.

 

Mid-1990s

Alexandra starts noticing impacts of fish farms (with Furunculosis outbreaks).

Alexandra buys a section of Billy Proctor's property to build her home (what is now the station).

 

2001-2002

Alexandra begins studying sea lice.

Alexandra begins raising concerns with public and scientific communities.

 

2003

Martin Krkosek arrives to begin his doctoral work on sea lice.

Brendan Connors and Scott Rogers arrive as Martin's first volunteer assistants.

 

2005

A series of high-profile scientific publications on aquaculture impacts begin to appear, produced by SCFS researchers.

Alexandra announces that she must sell her property, which creates uncertainty about the future of the research projects.

 

2006

Sarah Haney buys the property, and invites Alexandra, Martin, Brendan, and Scott to continue conducting research there. She begins developing infrastructure needed to operate as a proper research station (providing two years of funding for a manager's salary and necessary infrastructural changes to accommodate graduate students).

Salmon Coast Field Station Society forms as an official British Columbia not-for-profit society, with a Board of Directors. The founding members of the Board of Directors include Alexandra, Martin, Scott, and Brendan, as well as Marjorie Wonham (Martin's colleague and mentor), and Jennifer Ford (a collaborator of the late Ransom Myers at Dalhousie University).

 

2007

The station officially begins operating as SCFS. The first station manager is Scott Rogers. The first researchers are Martin, Brendan, Craig Losos, and Paul Mages, with a team of approximately 20 volunteers.

New infrastructure is built, including a new dock and wet lab, a renovated kitchen, and improved power and water supply.

 

2008 Onwards

Long-term research projects continue.

New projects, researchers, and volunteers arrive at SCFS, as the station continues to grow.