Participants DFO / MERS Marine Mammal Response Workshop ©MERS
Courses & Events
Learn, engage, create change
Educating for conservation
Through engaging, science-based presentations and courses we build community, and enable others to educate and create positive change. We aim to increase understanding of the importance of BC’s marine environment and biodiversity; how marine mammals are indicators of environmental health and human values; and how to reduce threats to their wellbeing.
See below for upcoming and recorded presentations and webinars.
Our Marine Mammal Naturalist Course instructors have years of experience in marine mammal research and education. Our courses are provided so that others can better inform and inspire marine conservation through an in-depth understanding of marine mammals on BC’s coast. Register for a course or sign up for course alerts below.
See a Blow? Go Slow!
Whale-safe Boater Course
We are currently developing an online Whale-safe Boating Course for recreational boaters who paddle, sail or motor off the coast of British Columbia. This course is supported by Transport Canada's Boater Safety Contribution Program. Please sign up now for course alerts to help increase safe and legal vessel operation around marine mammals.
Sign Up Here
Upcoming Events
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Celebrate MERS and Planet Earth III – Online Event
April 21, 2024
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Online
Cost: by donation
Learn moreJoin us online on April 21st at 7:30pm to get a behind-the-scenes look at our work with the BBC for Planet Earth III and dive deeper into the concepts explored in the MERS segment including trap-feeding, the “Whale Pump”, and the Humpback Comeback.
Along with our main Humpback Researchers, Jackie Hildering and Christie McMillan, we will be joined this evening by special guests, including three of the incredible...
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Celebrate MERS and Planet Earth III in Port McNeill
April 28, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Gate House Theatre, 1705 Campbell Way, Port McNeill, BC
Cost: by donation
Learn moreJoin us MERS team members Jackie and Christie on April 28th at 2pm at the Gate House Theatre to get a behind-the-scenes look at our work with the BBC for Planet Earth III and dive deeper into the concepts explored in the MERS segment including trap-feeding, the “Whale Pump”, and the Humpback Comeback.
We want to share this moment with our home community and contribute...
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The 2024 MERS Annual Auction will run from May 2 at 12pm-May 5 at 7pm!
We are so grateful for the donors of these incredible items and all the bidders! We strive to fill our auction with sustainable, locally-made, and marine / conservation-themed items that align with our conservation and sustainability principles.
Each year this auction provides...
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Marine Mammal Naturalist Course
May 24, 2024 - May 27, 2024
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Campbell River - Maritime Heritage Centre
Cost: $625
Learn moreMARINE MAMMAL NATURALIST COURSE REGISTRATION FULL - Join Waitlist
Learn more
IGA 1-day Apprentice Interpreter Course - Spaces still available
The aim of the course is to enable others to inform and inspire marine mammal conservation. This is intensive, crash training for those working as whale watch naturalists, kayak guides, park staff, or others interested in helping with marine conservation through gaining a deeper knowledge of BC's marine mammals. This is a 4-day...
Ways to attend our presentations
- Join a scheduled presentation or webinar. Stay alerted by following us on social media, signing up for our newsletter or joining our presentation alert list.
- Access one of our recorded webinars. See presentation descriptions and links below for available recorded webinars.
- Request a presentation or webinar. Please do so by filling in the request form.
Workshop with the Pauquachin Nation
Support MERS
We expand our reach through building community. Join us! There are many ways you can get involved. Participate in events. Help educate. Become a donor. Contribute data. Use the Whale Warning Flag and model best boating practices around marine mammals. Sponsor a Humpback Whale. Purchase sustainable goods from the Ocean Store.
Join us to help the whales, and the ocean they depend on.
Guardian (BCZ0408) lunge-feeding ©MERS, MML-42