mers marine education research society supportors on fundraising trip

MERS Supporters on Fundraising Trip ©Caitlin Birdsall

Fundraisers

Join us to support marine conservation

Become a MERS Donor

Your contribution and participation in our fundraising events fuels our work to better understand and protect marine life in BC. This support enables our rigorous scientific research, extensive education and outreach, and involvement in marine wildlife rescue and response.

mers marine education research society whale partially out of water dorsal fin showing

Pacific White-sided Dolphin ©Christie McMillan, MERS

The MERS Online Auction

Our annual online auction is one of our favourite events of the year! It features sustainable, locally made goods with a marine or conservation connection. The auction is not only a very important fundraiser for our operating costs, it also promotes businesses and artists dedicated to sustainability.

See here for all the artists and businesses who supported our 2026 MERS Auction. 

If you are interested in contributing to our auction, please contact us via the Contact button below. Note that, in addition to auction items reflecting a marine connection and strong sustainability ethic (e.g. made from sustainable materials and locally sourced), we ask that the minimum retail value is $50. We are very appreciative of all our auction sponsors!

Upcoming Events

  • MERS Fundraising Trip 2026 – Campbell River

    October 17, 2026

    Campbell River Whale Watching - 1374 Island Hwy, Campbell River

    Cost: $400

    Learn more

    SOLD OUT! To be added to the waitlist, email info@mersociety.org

    Whales. Researchers. You?

    Join the Marine Education and Research Society for a day on the water 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 River...

    Learn more
  • MERS Fundraising Trip 2026 – Port McNeill

    September 26, 2026

    Mackay Whale Watching - 1514 Broughton Blvd, Port McNeill

    Cost: $380

    Learn more

    SOLD OUT! To be added to the waitlist, email info@mersociety.org

    Whales. Researchers. You?

    Join the Marine Education and Research Society for a day on the water 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 Mackay Whale Watching AND...

    Learn more
  • MERS Annual Auction Fundraiser

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    Online

    Learn more

    Join us online for our annual MERS Auction fundraiser. Click this link for the wonderful businesses and artists who supported us in 2026 and stay tuned for the 2027 auction dates.

    Filled with incredible items and services that are locally made, sustainable or have a conservation connection, this event is a very significant fundraiser for us with 100% of the proceeds supporting our...

    Learn more

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.

mers marine education research society marine mammal naturalist course participants happy infront of maritime heritage centre

Marine Mammal Naturalist Course participants