January 25, 2026
Humpbacks in the Salish Sea – then and now
There was already whale watching in British Columbia in the early 1900s. It was wiped out by whaling. We share the…
Empowering minds, protecting marine life
Inukshuk (BCZ0339) breaching ©MERS, MML-57
Fostering understanding and conservation
The Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) is dedicated to promoting conservation and understanding of marine ecosystems through scientific research, environmental education, and marine wildlife response. We are privileged to be based in the Territories the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw (the Kwak̕wala-speaking Peoples) and acknowledge their ongoing knowledge and stewardship of these lands and waters.
Boater Safety
See a Blow? Go Slow!
Our “See a Blow? Go Slow!” campaign provides information about Marine Mammal Regulations in Canada, how to avoid collisions with marine mammals, and what to do if collision or entanglement occurs.
Laws & Boater Safety
Get involved with 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 the whales. Sponsor a Humpback Whale. Purchase sustainable goods from the Ocean Store.
Join us to help the whales, and the ocean they depend on.
Keep up to date
Blog 
December 22, 2025
Winter Whales
Humpback Whale migrations are staggered. Some individuals are still feeding off the coast of British Columbia in winter, leaving to migrate…
December 12, 2025
2025 MERS Annual Report
As the year draws to a close, it offers a chance to pause and look back on the projects, milestones, people…