This is a Marine Education and Research Society course on British Columbia's whale species and seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and otters too! 

The aim of the 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. 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**

Stay tuned for 2024 Courses

Subscribe to our Marine Mammal Naturalist Course Email Alerts below
to receive updates on future courses!

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

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

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