Join us for a webinar, hosted by NALT (Nanaimo & Area Land Trust), on Humpback Whales by Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) researcher Jackie Hildering. MERS is based on NE Vancouver Island with education efforts being coast-wide.

In addition to sharing MERS’ research on Humpback feeding strategies and rate of entanglement, Jackie will discuss how the fortunate return of these giants from the brink of extinction makes increased boater awareness essential to reduce the risk of collision and increase knowledge of what to do if entanglement is witnessed.

As an educator, cold water diver and underwater photographer, Jackie is known as “The Marine Detective” with on-camera experience including being featured on Animal Planet’s “Wild Obsession” series and in the BBC productions “New threat to Canada's Pacific Humpback Whales?” and “Ingenious Animals”. She has been awarded the Vancouver Aquarium’s MAN Award for Excellence in Aquatic Education (2010) and has been referenced as the standup comic of marine conservation.

This event indeed promises to be informative and entertaining!

To attend this webinar,
please contact paul@nalt.bc.ca (Nanaimo & Area Land Trust).

Click here to see the news article about this webinar.

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In light of the need for continued caution, social solidarity, and doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19, we have moved our Marine Mammal Naturalist Course to an online format via Zoom.

COURSE IS NOW FULL - to be added to the waitlist, click "Join waitlist" on the left.

The topics covered will remain the same as our in-person 3-day courses (see below). However, we have spread the content over more days to manage Zoom-fatigue. 

Please note that attendance for all sessions is mandatory as is completion of an online test. Successfully meeting these criteria will lead to a certificate of completion.   

Marine Education and Research Society course on BC's whale species and seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and otters too! 

The aim of this course is to enable more people to inform and inspire marine mammal conservation.  This is intensive, crash 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. 

**Must be at least 18 years old to attend the course**

If you have any questions, please contact info@mersociety.org.

Cost: $300 per person
($200 non-refundable; remainder refundable up to January 11th, 2021)

Location:  Online via Zoom

Instructors: Christie McMillan, Jackie Hildering, Caitlin Birdsall and Leah Thorpe. See bios at this link. 

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

• This course will be taught on Zoom. Download of the free Zoom app on your desktop, laptop, or mobile device will be necessary in order for you to participate fully in the course and have access to the interactive components.

• Click on this video to learn more about Zoom and see if it is something you are comfortable using: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh50kVaIdAY 

• You must have a very good internet connection as we must see you on video throughout the course. Participation is mandatory to become certified!

Online Course Requirements:

1. You must have the Zoom app downloaded on the device you intend to use. The Zoom app is free and easy to use. Our course is optimized for the desktop or laptop experience.
2. You must have internet access.
3. You must have a working video camera, microphone, and speakers (on your device or you can use a webcam, headset or earbuds connected to your device).

Schedule (note that there may be adjustments in the order that content is delivered):

Day 1 - Tuesday, February 9th, 7 PM to 10 PM

• Introductions

• Marine Biodiversity of BC - from plankton to giants

• Classification of Marine Mammals 

Day 2 - Thursday, February 11th, 7 PM to 10 PM

• Seal and Sea Lions- natural history and conservation concerns

• The Value of Being a Marine Mammal Naturalist  (includes tips on effective interpretive delivery)

Day 3 - Tuesday, February 16th, 7 PM to 10 PM

• BC Killer Whale Populations - natural history and conservation concerns