Workshop is full. Taking names for the waiting list. Contact us at info(@)mersociety.org.

Marine Education and Research Society workshop on BC's whale species and seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and otters too! Intensive 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. Bring sharp pencils and lots of notepaper! A certificate of participation will be provided to those who attend the full 2.5 day workshop. Aim of the workshop is to enable more people to inform and inspire marine mammal conservation.

$250/person for 2.5 days. Space limited. Spot secured with a $125 deposit. All proceeds go to the work of the Marine Education and Research Society. To pay securely via Paypal, use Register button to the left or e-transfer to info(@)mersociety.org. Full payment due by April 15 .

Presenters

Researchers and educators from the Marine Education and Research Society: Christie McMillan, Jackie Hildering, Caitlin Birdsall and Leah Thorpe. For more information on the presenters, check out the bios of our Team and Board of Directors.

Tentative Program

Friday June 1

10 to 12:30 (1x15 minute break and 1 activity)

• Introductions
• 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)

• Sea Otters - natural history and conservation concerns
• BC Killer Whale Populations - natural history and conservation concerns

Saturday June 2

9:00 to 12:30 (1x15 minute break and 1 activity)

• Dolphins and Porpoises - natural history and conservation concerns
• Seals and Sea Lions - natural history and conservation concerns
• Minke and Fin Whales - natural history and conservation concerns
• Grey Whales - natural history and conservation concerns

• The Return of Giants - MERS research into Humpback Whales
• Building Your Naturalist Toolkit - resources and how to use them effectively
• Identifying Marine Mammals in the Field
• Part 1 - Man vs. Marine Mammal - summary of the complex human history with marine mammals

Sunday June 3

9:00 to 1:00 (1x15 minute break + 1 activity)

• Part 2 - Man vs. Marine Mammal
• Feedback and presentation of certificates

Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) researcher Jackie Hildering, will share MERS' research on Humpback feeding and rate of entanglement. Jackie will discuss how the fortunate return of these giants form the brink of extinction necessitates increased boater awareness about avoiding collision and what to do if entanglement is witnessed.

As an educator, avid diver and underwater photographer, Jackie is also known as "The Marine Detective" with recent features on Animal Planet's "Wild Obsessions" series and two BBC productions.

Workshop is full. Taking names for the waiting list. Contact us at info(@)mersociety.org.

Marine Education and Research Society workshop on BC's whale species and seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and otters too! Intensive 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. Bring sharp pencils and lots of notepaper! A certificate of participation will be provided to those who attend the full 2.5 day workshop. Aim of the workshop is to enable more people to inform and inspire marine mammal conservation.

$250/person for 2.5 days. Space limited. Spot secured with a $125 deposit. All proceeds go to the work of the Marine Education and Research Society. To pay securely via Paypal, use Register button to the left or e-transfer to info(@)mersociety.org. Full payment due by April 15 .

Presenters

Researchers and educators from the Marine Education and Research Society: Christie McMillan and Jackie Hildering. For more information on the presenters, check out the bios of our Team and Board of Directors.

Tentative Program

Friday June 15

10 to 12:30 (1x15 minute break and 1 activity)

• Introductions
• 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)

• Sea Otters - natural history and conservation concerns
• BC Killer Whale Populations - natural history and conservation concerns

Saturday June 16

9:00 to 12:30 (1x15 minute break and 1 activity)

• Dolphins and Porpoises - natural history and conservation concerns
• Seals and Sea Lions - natural history and conservation concerns
• Minke and Fin Whales - natural history and conservation concerns
• Grey Whales - natural history and conservation concerns

• The Return of Giants - MERS research into Humpback Whales
• Building Your Naturalist Toolkit - resources and how to use them effectively
• Identifying Marine Mammals in the Field
• Part 1 - Man vs. Marine Mammal - summary of the complex human history with marine mammals

Sunday June 17

9:00 to 1:00 (1x15 minute break + 1 activity)

• Part 2 - Man vs. Marine Mammal
• Feedback and presentation of certificates

Further Details Pending. 

Further Details Pending.