Marine Education and Research Society course on BC's whale species and seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and otters too! 

The aim of this course is to enable more people to inform and inspire marine mammal conservation.  This is intensive, crash training for those working (or hoping to work) as whale watch naturalists, kayak guides, park staff, or others interested in gaining a deeper knowledge of the natural history and conservation of BC's marine mammals. This is a 3-day course provided in-person. 

Please note that attendance for all sessions is mandatory as is completion of an online test. Successfully meeting these criteria will lead to a Certificate of Completion.  

**Must be at least 18 years old to attend the course**

Dates for our 2022 Courses
(Registration now open - see links below for registration and further details):

Tofino or Ucluelet: Saturday, May 7 to Monday, May 9

Campbell River: Friday, May 13 to Sunday, May 15. 

Subscribe to our Marine Mammal Naturalist Course Email Alerts below
to receive an update for when registration opens!

If you have any questions, please contact info@mersociety.org.

Cost: $395 per person ($250 non-refundable; remainder refundable up to 2 weeks prior to Course start)
Instructors: Jackie Hildering, Christie McMillan, Caitlin Birdsall and Leah Thorpe. See bios at this link.

Topics Covered:

• Marine Biodiversity of BC - from plankton to giants
• Classification of Marine Mammals
• The Value of Being a Marine Mammal Naturalist  (includes tips on effective interpretive delivery)
• Seals and Sea Lions - natural history and conservation concerns
• BC Killer Whale Populations - natural history and conservation concerns
• Grey Whales - natural history and conservation concerns
• Minke and Fin Whales - MERS research, natural history and conservation concerns
• Dolphins and Porpoises - natural history and conservation concerns
• The Return of Giants - MERS research into Humpback Whales
• Sea Otters - natural history and conservation concerns
• Identifying Marine Mammals in the Field
• Man vs. Marine Mammal - summary of conservation concerns and solutions 

Assessment: There will be an online test to be completed within 2 weeks of the last day of the Course.
Achieving a minimum of 70% and being present for the full Course will lead to a Certificate of Completion.