In light of the need for continued caution, social solidarity, and doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19, we have moved our Marine Mammal Naturalist Course to an online format via Zoom.

COURSE IS FULL. Click here to be added to the waitlist for MERS Online 2021 Course - February 9th to March 4th.

The topics covered will remain the same as our in-person 3-day courses (see below). However, we have spread the content over more days to manage Zoom-fatigue. 

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.   

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. 

**Must be at least 18 years old to attend the course**
If you have any questions, please contact info@mersociety.org. Cost: $300 per person ($200 non-refundable; remainder refundable up to January 11th, 2021)

Location:  Online via Zoom

Instructors: Christie McMillan, Jackie Hildering, Caitlin Birdsall and Leah Thorpe. See bios at this link. 

Schedule (note that there may be adjustments in the order that content is delivered):

Day 1 - Tuesday, February 9th, 7 PM to 10 PM

• Introductions
• Marine Biodiversity of BC - from plankton to giants
• Classification of Marine Mammals 

Day 2 - Thursday, February 11th, 7 PM to 10 PM

• Seals and Sea Lions - natural history and conservation concerns
  
• The Value of Being a Marine Mammal Naturalist  (includes tips on effective interpretive delivery)
  

Day 3 - Tuesday, February 16th, 7 PM to 10 PM

• BC Killer Whale Populations - natural history and conservation concerns