We are the Marine Education and Research Society, a non-profit organization based on remote Northern Vancouver Island in the territory of the Kwakwala-speaking people. Our organization is dedicated to promoting conservation and understanding of marine ecosystems through three key pillars: scientific research, environmental education, and marine wildlife response. 

Our research is aimed at increasing understanding of marine species and reducing threats. For the last 15 years, we have documented the comeback of Humpback Whales from the brink of extinction and have worked tirelessly to make this second chance count to learn about the species and what impacts their survival.  We also work on understanding other at-risk marine species and ecosystems through field research and citizen science. 

Our research directly influences our education. We work with key targeted audiences, such as recreational boaters, to reduce threats to marine mammals. We also are highly focused on building community and capacity, as we know having an army of people that are empowered, knowledgeable, and passionate about ocean conservation is a critical path forward. We work with the ecotourism sector, First Nations, and policy makers through workshops and other training. 

Finally, we support marine mammal incident response and rescue, to ensure animals in need receive help, and to learn how to reduce human-caused injuries and deaths.

For more information please see www.mersociety.org.