It's science vs. politics next week at the Port Moody Ecological Society's annual general meeting.
On Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., PMES hosts the gathering in Multipurpose Room 2 at the Port Moody rec centre with speaker Craig Orr, the executive director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society.
He'll speak about "The War on Science and Wild Salmon." According to a PMES press release, changes in federal legislation introduced in 2012 have gutted fish habitat protection and, in conjunction with drastic cuts in staffing levels, have severely weakened the ability of the federal fisheries department as well as Environment Canada to monitor and respond to environmental problems. In addition, research institutes that had been investigating the pollution of aquatic ecosystems, atmospheric sciences and the pollution of marine mammals were abruptly closed. More recently, the federal government has been criticized for closing and destroying priceless scientific research libraries across Canada. Orr will discuss the impacts these policies will have on the health of our ecosystems and the future of wild salmon in B.C.
In addition to Orr's presentation, members and guests will receive updates from the Noons Creek Hatchery, which hosts the popular Fingerling Festival.
And Kyle Pilon, president of the Mossom Creek Hatchery, will also provide an overview regarding reconstruction efforts after a devastating fire in December.
The meeting is free and open to the public. More information about the Noons Creek Hatchery is available at www.noonscreek.org.
