MERS Marine Education and Research Society

### Context Profile for MERS Marine Education and Research Society

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - **Mission**: The MERS Marine Education and Research Society is dedicated to marine conservation through education, research, and response efforts. Their primary focus is on the study and protection of marine wildlife, particularly whales, and their habitats.
   - **Cause**: MERS aims to foster a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices to protect these vital resources.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Wildlife Watching Trips**: MERS organizes excursions, such as the "MERS Fundraising Trip 2025 - Port McNeill," where participants can observe marine wildlife, particularly Humpback Whales, while learning about ongoing research efforts.
   - **Educational Programs**: They provide educational resources and experiences aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding of marine life.
   - **Research Initiatives**: MERS conducts scientific research to monitor and protect marine species and their habitats.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of the website and communications is **friendly**, **informative**, and **inspiring**. It aims to engage the audience with a sense of excitement about marine life and conservation efforts. The language is accessible, aiming to connect with a broad audience, from casual participants to serious supporters.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The website and communications do not prominently feature emojis. The tone remains professional and straightforward, focusing on clear communication about events and initiatives without the use of informal symbols.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details are not provided on the website, but MERS has established itself as a key player in marine education and research.
   - **Scale**: MERS has a total of 13 forms and 13 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement with their community.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics are not detailed, the organization highlights the importance of funds raised for their education and research work.
   - **Volunteer Info**: Information on volunteer opportunities is not explicitly stated, but the organization likely engages volunteers in their events and research activities.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a friendly and engaging tone that invites participation and conveys enthusiasm for marine conservation.
   - **Structure**: Keep content clear and organized, using headings and bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability.
   - **Call to Action**: Include strong calls to action that encourage readers to participate in events, donate, or learn more about marine conservation.
   - **Personalization**: Use personalized greetings in communications (e.g., addressing recipients by name) to foster a connection with the audience.

This context profile serves as a foundational guide for creating tailored content that aligns with MERS Marine Education and Research Society's mission, activities, and communication style.

Course Fee

Course Registration with add-on of a Marine Mammals of British Columbia: Royal BC Museum Handbook by Dr. John Ford. 

Marine Mammals of British Columbia: Royal BC Museum Handbook is the best resource to complement the content of the Course (but not a mandatory resource for the course).

Course Fee with Book

NIMMSA MEMBER Advance Registration available until January 12, 2025.

NIMMSA Advance Registration - Course Fee only

NIMMSA MEMBER Advance Registration with add-on of a Marine Mammals of British Columbia: Royal BC Museum Handbook by Dr. John Ford. Advance registration is available until January 12, 2025. 

Marine Mammals of British Columbia: Royal BC Museum Handbook is the best resource to complement the content of the Course (but not a mandatory resource for the course).

NIMMSA Advance Registration - Course Fee with Book

E-transfer to accounting@mersociety.org or pay by cheque (email us info@mersociety.org to indicate that you will be paying via cheque):
Cheque made out to order Marine Education and Research Society
Address to send cheque: 
Marine Education and Research Society
PO Box 1168
Port McNeill, BC
V0N 2R0

<span fr-original-style="font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit;" style="font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit">The Marine Education and Research Society is once again offering a course on British Columbia's marine mammals including: whale species, seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and otters too!<span fr-original-style="font-size:14px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;box-sizing:inherit;" style="font-size:14px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;box-sizing:inherit">The aim of the course is to enable others to inform and inspire marine mammal conservation. This is<span fr-original-style="font-size:14px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;box-sizing:inherit;" style="font-size:14px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;box-sizing:inherit"> intensive<span fr-original-style="font-size:14px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;box-sizing:inherit;" style="font-size:14px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;box-sizing:inherit">, 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. <span fr-original-style="font-size:14px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;box-sizing:inherit;" style="font-size:14px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;box-sizing:inherit">This course is classroom-based only and does not contain a field portion.<span fr-original-style="font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit;" style="font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit">Please note that attendance for all sessions is mandatory. Successfully meeting this criteria will lead to a Certificate of Participation.   **Must be at least 18 years old to attend the course** Registration Cost<span fr-original-style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit;font-size:14px;" style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit;font-size:14px">: $625 per person <span fr-original-style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14px;" style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit;font-size:14px">($300 non-refundable; remainder refundable up to April 10, 2025). Registration is non-transferable. REGISTRATION FULL? <a href="https://form-can.keela.co/waitlist-2025-nanaimo" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;box-sizing:inherit;-webkit-user-select:auto" target="_blank">Sign up for our waitlist here</a><a href="https://form-can.keela.co/waitlist-2024-nanaimo" style="text-decoration-color:initial;box-sizing:inherit;-webkit-user-select:auto">.</a> We will notify you if a spot becomes available.<hr /><span fr-original-style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit;" style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;box-sizing:inherit">Course Bursary For those who reside in B.C. and have <span fr-original-style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit;" style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">a financial barrier <span fr-original-style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit;" style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">to being able to attend but whose learning will strongly benefit local marine conservation / education, <span fr-original-style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit;" style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">we are offering two bursaries to cover the cost of the course and a <a href="https://mersocietybc.square.site/product/marine-mammals-of-british-columbia/18?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=5" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;box-sizing:inherit;text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto" target="_blank">Marine Mammals of British Columbia</a><a href="https://mersocietybc.square.site/product/marine-mammals-of-british-columbia/18?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=5" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;box-sizing:inherit;text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://mersocietybc.square.site/product/marine-mammals-of-british-columbia/18?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=5" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;box-sizing:inherit;text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto" target="_blank">book</a> <span fr-original-style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit;" style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">(best resource to complement the content of the Course). The bursary deadline is February 15, 2025 and successful applicants will be notified by March 1, 2025.<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mmncbursary2024" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;box-sizing:inherit;text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto"> </a><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mersbursaries2025" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;box-sizing:inherit;text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto" target="_self">Click here for the Bursary Application.</a><hr />Schedule - 4 days:<ul><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Saturday, May 10 to Tuesday, May 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST (1 hour lunch break)</li></ul><span fr-original-style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit;" style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Location: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/EB2MSbmW9wUNVdPk9" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:currentcolor;box-sizing:inherit;-webkit-user-select:auto" target="_blank">Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth St, Nanaimo</a>Topics covered:<ul><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Marine Biodiversity of BC - from plankton to giants</li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Classification of Marine Mammals      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">The Value of Being a Marine Mammal Naturalist      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Seals and Sea Lions - natural history and conservation concerns</li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">BC Killer Whale Populations - natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Grey Whales - natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Minke and Fin Whales - MERS research, natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Dolphins and Porpoises - natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">The Return of Giants - MERS research into Humpback Whales      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Sea Otters - natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Identifying Marine Mammals in the Field      </li><li style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;box-sizing:inherit">Summary of conservation concerns and solutions</li></ul>If you have any questions, please contact <a href="mailto:info@mersociety.org" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;box-sizing:inherit;text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto">info@mersociety.org</a>.Cancellation Policy:$300 of the course fee is non-refundable. Remaining amount is refundable up to April 10, 2025. No refunds will be provided for cancellations after April 10, 2025. Course registration is non-transferable and if registration is cancelled, the next person on the waitlist will be notified of open spot.   For NIMMSA members, please refer to your email via NIMMSA for cancellation policies.

Hello <span data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;-webkit-touch-callout:none;-webkit-user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name , Thank you very much for registering for our Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) Marine Mammal Naturalist Course! We are excited to see you all at our Course on Saturday, May 10th at Vancouver Island University. Below are key details for the upcoming Course: Details<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Date: Saturday, May 10th - Tuesday, May 13th</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Time: 9:00 AM (please arrive promptly) to 5:00 PM daily</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Location: Vancouver Island University<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Address: 900 Fifth St, Nanaimo, BC</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Building 250, Room 125 (Faculty of Management Centre)</li></ul></li></ul> Course HubTo prepare for the Course, please access and review the Course Hub, which contains important information, including schedule, Course resources and additional materials. To access the Hub:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Visit: <a href="https://mersociety.wordpress.com/mmnc" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_blank">https://mersociety.wordpress.com/mmnc</a></li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Password: 2025MMNC</li></ul>Important: The Hub is for registrants only. Please do not share the link or password. Additional Recommendations & Materials<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">We recommend Dr. John Ford’s Marine Mammals of British Columbia: Royal BC Museum Handbook to complement the course material. Please note it is not required for the Course.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">If you’ve pre-purchased this book, it will be distributed on the first day of the Course.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Additional copies will be available for purchase at the event, along with other materials and merchandise.</li></ul> Want some swag? Order your gear from our <a href="https://mersocietybc.square.site/s/shop" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_blank">online Ocean Store</a> and pick it up at the Course!<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Order between April 30 – May 7</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Use code MMNC2025 at checkout for 10% off your order  </li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">We’ll deliver your gear straight to the Course in Nanaimo for easy pickup</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Important: At checkout, select “Store pickup” — this lets us know to bring your order to the Course and avoids shipping charges.</li></ul> Cancellation PolicyReminder that $300 of the course fee is non-refundable. If you cancel your registration before April 10, 2025, the remaining amount is refundable. After April 10, 2025, no refunds will be provided for cancellations. If you have any questions that are not answered in the Course Hub, feel free to reach out to us at info@mersociety.org. We look forward to seeing you in May! Warm regards, MERS Team

The Marine Education and Research Society is once again offering a course on British Columbia's marine mammals including: whale species, seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and otters too!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 course is classroom-based only and does not contain a field portion.Please note that attendance for all sessions is mandatory. Successfully meeting this criteria will lead to a Certificate of Participation.   **Must be at least 18 years old to attend the course** Registration Cost: $625 per person ($300 non-refundable; remainder refundable up to April 10, 2025). Registration is non-transferable. REGISTRATION FULL? <a href="https://form-can.keela.co/waitlist-2025-nanaimo" target="_blank">Sign up for our waitlist here</a><a href="https://form-can.keela.co/waitlist-2024-nanaimo">.</a> We will notify you if a spot becomes available.<hr />Course Bursary For those who reside in B.C. and have a financial barrier to being able to attend but whose learning will strongly benefit local marine conservation / education, we are offering two bursaries to cover the cost of the course and a <a href="https://mersocietybc.square.site/product/marine-mammals-of-british-columbia/18?cp=true&amp;sa=false&amp;sbp=false&amp;q=false&amp;category_id=5" target="_blank">Marine Mammals of British Columbia</a><a href="https://mersocietybc.square.site/product/marine-mammals-of-british-columbia/18?cp=true&amp;sa=false&amp;sbp=false&amp;q=false&amp;category_id=5" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://mersocietybc.square.site/product/marine-mammals-of-british-columbia/18?cp=true&amp;sa=false&amp;sbp=false&amp;q=false&amp;category_id=5" target="_blank">book</a> (best resource to complement the content of the Course). The bursary deadline is February 15, 2025 and successful applicants will be notified by March 1, 2025.<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mmncbursary2024"> </a><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mersbursaries2025" target="_self">Click here for the Bursary Application.</a><hr />Schedule - 4 days:<ul><li>Saturday, May 10 to Tuesday, May 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST (1 hour lunch break)</li></ul>Location: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/EB2MSbmW9wUNVdPk9" target="_blank">Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth St, Nanaimo</a>Topics covered:<ul><li>Marine Biodiversity of BC - from plankton to giants</li><li>Classification of Marine Mammals      </li><li>The Value of Being a Marine Mammal Naturalist      </li><li>Seals and Sea Lions - natural history and conservation concerns</li><li>BC Killer Whale Populations - natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li>Grey Whales - natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li>Minke and Fin Whales - MERS research, natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li>Dolphins and Porpoises - natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li>The Return of Giants - MERS research into Humpback Whales      </li><li>Sea Otters - natural history and conservation concerns      </li><li>Identifying Marine Mammals in the Field      </li><li>Summary of conservation concerns and solutions</li></ul>If you have any questions, please contact <a href="mailto:info@mersociety.org">info@mersociety.org</a>.Cancellation Policy:$300 of the course fee is non-refundable. Remaining amount is refundable up to April 10, 2025. No refunds will be provided for cancellations after April 10, 2025. Course registration is non-transferable and if registration is cancelled, the next person on the waitlist will be notified of open spot.   For NIMMSA members, please refer to your email via NIMMSA for cancellation policies.

MERS Marine Education and Research Society

MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Course 2025 - Nanaimo

900 Fifth St

Course Fee

$625

Course Fee with Book

$658