MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Course Bursaries

MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Course Bursaries - Application
MERS will be providing two bursaries for each of the 2026 MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Courses (click links below to learn more):
- Campbell River: May 22 - 25, 2026
- Port McNeill: May 29 - June 1, 2026
These bursaries are for B.C. residents:
- Who face financial barriers to attending the course;
- Whose participation in the course will lead to a high potential of marine mammal conservation messaging being amplified through their work or volunteer roles, especially in remote, rural, or underserved communities.
Each bursary (value of $688) will cover:
- the Course registration fee, and
- Marine Mammals of British Columbia by Dr. John Ford.
One of the four bursaries will also include coverage for travel and accommodation (up to $710 in value). Support for this combined course and travel bursary is generously provided by the Alway-Connors Charitable Fund.

Travel and accommodation costs for the remaining three bursaries are not included and must be covered by the applicant.

Applicants must BC Residents who ar age 18 or older.

To apply, please fill in all the information below.

Application deadline: February 15th at 11:45 p.m. PST.
Bursary recipients will be contacted by March 2nd.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Are you 18 years of age or older?*

YesNo
Where do you reside in BC?*
Which MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Course(s) could you attend? Select all that are applicable.*

Campbell River (May 22 - 25, 2026)Port McNeill (May 29 - June 1, 2026)
Which bursary are you applying for?*

Course fee and book onlyCourse fee, book, and travel (transportation and accommodation)
Explain how your participation in this Course would lead to gains for marine conservation and education. *
If applicable, explain how these conservation gains would reach remote, rural, or underserved communities?
Please provide a brief statement describing your financial need. If applying for the travel bursary, include and explanation of your travel/accommodation needs.*
The Marine Education and Research Society is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Priority for this support will be given to those who self-identify as belonging to underrepresented groups. If applicable, please provide any information you feel we should consider in addition to what you have provided above.
The recipient of the travel bursary will be invited to submit a brief statement (1-2 paragraphs) reflecting on their course experience and the influence of the bursary on their ability to contribute to marine mammal conservation. This valuable feedback will be shared with the travel bursary donors, highlighting the impact of their generous support.*

I understand that if a successful travel bursary applicant, I will provide a short written statement.
Thank you so much for your interest and your dedication to marine conservation.
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MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Course Bursaries - Application