Beyond the Whales

Can$29.95

Of the many elegant books on the richness and beauty of the west coast, I know of none better at capturing its treasure—Robert Bateman

Alexandra Morton’s new book is a stunning portrayal of life on the central British Columbia coast. Through her striking photography, art work, and well-researched text, she presents an in-depth understanding of the coastal eco-system, as well as allowing us a glimpse into the 20 years she has spent working in the area.

Alexandra arrived in the region in 1984 as a whale researcher and was at first absorbed in studying the orca and admiring the magnificent scenery. This coast has a long history: dolphins have pulsed in and out of the waters for over 0,000 years. First Nations people have lived here for almost as long, with European settlers arriving a scant century ago.

As time passed for Alexandra, she began to observe the lives of other creatures that share the sea and land. Studying humpback whales, bears, salmon, eagles, and deer, she began to understand how they are all interconnected As one example, she tells us that “Bears drag salmon beneath the trees of the forest, feeding the giant plants that shade the river nursery, protect[ing] its banks and allow[ing] it to make more fish.”

In Beyond the Whales, Alexandra explains what is going on beyond the beauty of the images: “One of the joys of watching a place for 20 years is being able to read the signs upon the sea — bubbles on the surface mean tons of herring below; three birds over an orca mean the whale has brought fish to the surface; shearwaters in Blackfish Sound mean autumn is here. The ocean feeds the rivers and the rivers feed the ocean.”

Alexandra Morton is a renowned biologist, photographer, artist and writer, well known for her slide shows, films, television appearances and books, which include Listening to Whales; Siwiti: A Whale’s Story; In the Company of Whales; and Heart of the Raincoast (co-written with Billy Proctor). She says of her home in the Broughton Archipelago, “It is my place on the planet.”

 

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