Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) | BC, Canada
857599112
V0N2R0
mersociety.org
mersocietybc
3957195
Marine Education and Research Society
The Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and understanding of marine ecosystems. Established with a mission to promote marine conservation through scientific research, environmental education, and wildlife response, MERS operates primarily along the coast of British Columbia, Canada.
History and Background
MERS was founded by a group of friends inspired by the return of Humpback Whales to the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, an area known for its high productivity due to unique tidal exchanges, cold waters, and abundant plankton. They began by cataloguing individual whales to study their behaviors and site fidelity, discovering that many Humpbacks consistently returned to specific feeding areas year after year. This research led to the formation of the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration (CPHC), a network involving other researchers cataloguing Humpbacks along the British Columbia coast.
Mission and Activities
The primary objectives of MERS include:
- Conducting scientific research to enhance knowledge of marine species and ecosystems.
- Providing environmental education aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding of marine conservation.
- Offering emergency marine wildlife response to assist injured or distressed marine animals.
Research conducted by MERS has notably focused on the feeding strategies of Humpback Whales, particularly their lunge-feeding technique on juvenile herring in the northeast Vancouver Island region. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of marine food webs and the ecological significance of whale populations in local ecosystems.
Conservation Efforts
MERS actively contributes to marine ecosystem conservation by disseminating research findings through public presentations, online platforms, and printed materials. Their educational initiatives serve to engage communities and promote stewardship of marine environments.
Organizational Status
MERS Marine Education and Research Society is a registered Canadian charity (Business Registration Number: 857599112RR0001), compliant with the Canada Revenue Agency regulations. This status enables MERS to receive charitable donations that support its research, education, and wildlife response programs.
Geographic and Cultural Context
Operating in the traditional territory of the Kwak̕wala-speaking peoples, MERS acknowledges and respects the cultural heritage of the Indigenous communities connected to the coastal regions where the society conducts its work.
The Marine Education and Research Society continues to be a vital contributor to marine science and conservation efforts in British Columbia through its integrated approach of research, education, and direct wildlife intervention.
[1] https://mersociety.org [2] https://mersociety.wordpress.com [3] https://www.instagram.com/mersociety/ [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/mers-marine-education-and-research-society/ [5] https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/mers-marine-education-and-research-society
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Novinky
A young Bryde's Whale was found dead in Port McNeill Bay on Wednesday morning (pronounced BROO-dus). Our great appreciation to all who worked together to respect this whale. This includes the understanding of how important it is to work together with a focus on decision-making by the 'Namgis Nation and DFO. A ceremony honouring the whale has been held. And a necropsy will be done today to learn from the whale and potentially know cause of death. _________________ The 'Namgis First Nation will gift the remains of this young whale to The Whale Interpretive Centre so that their death and knowledge of the species can count further for education and conservation. _________________ To the residents of Northern Vancouver Island - our gratitude and respect for how the information about this whale has been honoured. (fb)
Finally. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) is recommending to the Government of Canada that Sunflower Stars be protected as an endangered species under Canada's Species at Risk Act. This was decided at their May 8, 2025 meeting. Beginning in 2013, Sunflower Stars have been devastated by Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS) with far-reaching ecosystem impacts/ Sunflower Stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides) are the world's biggest sea star. Adults have up to 24 arms and are up to 130 cm across. The diet of Sunflower Stars includes urchins, and the diet of urchins includes kelp. With fewer Sunflower Stars, there are more urchins, and thereby less kelp ( = less habitat, less carbon buffering, less food for many organisms, and less oxygen production). From the Status Report: "The main threat to Sunflower Seastars is SSWS, which first presents as lesions on the skin of the seastar before rapidly progressing to necrosis, loss of limbs, and death. The most likely cause appears to be a group of pathogenic viruses (wasting-asteroid- associated densoviruses, WAaDs) . . . Warm temperatures have likely exacerbated SSWS. Sunflower Seastar declines in shallow nearshore waters from California to Alaska were more likely when sea surface temperatures had recently been warmer than average." __________________ MERS organized a meeting in 2021 that catalyzed those with the expertise, resources, and heart to write an "unsolicited assessment" to COSEWIC to expedite the potential of Sunflower Stars getting protection. There is so much gratitude to those who did research and/or wrote the report that has led to this important recommendation. 💙 (fb)
Poslední komentáře
🌊 Love what MERS is doing for our marine ecosystems! Your commitment to research and education truly makes a difference. Let's continue to protect our oceans together! 🐋💙detail |
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👏 Thrilled to see MERS empowering communities and spreading awareness about marine conservation! Every little effort counts in safeguarding our precious marine life. Keep up the fantastic work! 🌍✨detail |
Poslední diskuze
What innovative strategies can NGOs like MERS implement to enhance community engagement in marine conservation efforts?Odpovědí: 3, Naposledy před 1 den detail |
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How can we improve awareness and compliance with marine mammal regulations among boaters and recreational users in British Columbia?Odpovědí: 3, Naposledy před 1 den detail |
V okolí
4.5
V0N2R0
O společnosti
- D30 -
MERS Marine Education Research Society MERS Marine Education Research Society Empowering minds protecting marine life Inukshuk BCZ0339 breaching MERS MML57 Fostering understanding and conservation The Marine Education and Research Society MERS is dedicated to promoting conservation and understanding of marine ecosystems through scientific research environmental education and marine wildlife response. We are privileged to be based in the Territories the Kwakwakawakw the Kwakwalaspeaking Peoples and acknowledge their ongoing knowledge and stewardship of these lands and waters. Boater Safety See a Blow. Go Slow.
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