Event Description
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 course, provided in-person.
Please note that attendance for all sessions is mandatory. Successfully meeting these criteria will lead to a Certificate of Participation.
**Must be at least 18 years old to attend the course**
Schedule – 4 days:
- Friday, May 30 to Monday, June 2: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST (1 hour lunch break)
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
- Summary of conservation concerns and solutions
See below for more information on Course Bursaries and Cancellation Policies.
Registration opens on January 13, 2025
Course Bursary:
We are offering two bursaries for each of the 2025 MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Courses for those who reside in B.C. and have a financial barrier to being able to attend but whose participation will strongly benefit local marine conservation / education.
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- The bursary covers the cost of the course and a Marine Mammals of British Columbia book (best resource to complement the content of the course) – $658 value.
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- One of the 4 bursaries will be eligible for additional coverage for travel and accommodation (up to $740 in value). Support for the combined course and travel bursary was generously provided by the Alway-Connors Charitable Fund.
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- Application deadline: February 15, 2025.
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- Successful applicants will be notified by March 1, 2025.
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- For further details and to apply for the bursary, please click here.
Cancellation Policy:
Reminder that $300 of the course fee is non-refundable. If you cancel your registration before April 30, 2025, the remaining amount is refundable. After April 30, 2025, no refunds will be provided for cancellations.
For NIMMSA members, please refer to your email via NIMMSA for cancellation policies.