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
The Whale-Safe Boating Course is NOW available! Whether you paddle, sail, or motor in coastal British Columbia, this course is for YOU. This online course is a comprehensive, one-stop resource that fulfills a critical need by addressing the safety of BOTH marine mammals and boaters. It helps recreational boaters stay safe and legal around marine mammals —while also enhancing their enjoyment of our spectacular coast and contributions to marine mammal conservation. This course is supported by Transport Canada's Boater Safety Contribution Program.
Register Here
Upcoming Events
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The Whale-Safe Boating course is NOW available! Whether you paddle, sail, or motor in coastal British Columbia, this course is for YOU.
This online course is a comprehensive, one-stop resource that fulfills a critical need by addressing the safety of BOTH marine mammals and boaters. It helps recreational boaters stay safe and legal around marine mammals —while also enhancing their enjoyment of our spectacular...
Learn more -
Trivia Night!
August 19, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: By donation (minimum suggested $5 per person)
Learn moreJoin us on August 19th at Devils' Bath Brewing for a marine mammal themed trivia night hosted by the MERS summer staff! Come by yourself or with a team, and get ready to test your marine knowledge in trivia rounds including:
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- “Who Wants to Be a Krillionaire”
- “Where’s Whale-do”
and
- “Name that Tune-a”!
Fun team names and costumes are encouraged, and... -
MERS Fundraising Trip 2026 – Port McNeill
September 26, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mackay Whale Watching - 1514 Broughton Blvd, Port McNeill
Cost: $380
Learn moreSOLD OUT! To be added to the waitlist, email info@mersociety.org
Whales. Researchers. You?
Join the Marine Education and Research Society for a wildlife watching trip on Saturday September 26, 2026 departing from Port McNeill.
The excursion will be ~6 hours long aboard the Naiad Explorer with pioneering whale watching captain Bill Mackay of
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MERS Fundraising Trip 2026 – Campbell River
October 17, 2026
8:15 am - 4:00 pm
Campbell River Whale Watching - 1374 Island Hwy, Campbell River
Cost: $400
Learn moreSOLD OUT! To be added to the waitlist, email info@mersociety.org
Whales. Researchers. You?
Join the Marine Education and Research Society for a wildlife watching trip on Saturday October 17, 2026 departing from Campbell River.
The excursion will be ~7 hours long aboard the M.V. Tenacious III with the highly experienced crew from Campbell...
Learn more -
2027 Courses - dates and locations to be announced in winter 2026
Sign up for our Marine Mammal Naturalist Course Alert List hereThese are intensive 4-day in-person courses.
The aim is to reach those who can amplify the knowledge, skills, and ethics shared through the course within their roles and spheres of influence. This includes ecotourism naturalists,...
Learn more
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