Marine Wildlife Naturalist Training Course

Course Outline

Please contact us for dates and location of our next course.

The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research’s (SEACR) Marine Naturalist training includes 18 hours of instruction including presentations on local marine ecology and practical naturalist interpretation techniques. Course will be taught by professional marine researchers and naturalists. Course fee is typically $160 for both days, or $80 per day.

Proposed Course Schedule:

First Evening

6:30-9:30 pm Session I: History and development of marine wildlife tourism: or why everyone loves whales

Day One

9:00 am-12:30 Session II: Marine mammals biology and evolution, local residents of the BC Coast

12:30-1:30 Lunch

1:30-5:00 Session III: Naturalist Interpretation Techniques or the gift of gab gets the gold

Guest Speaker: The case of rare species

Day Two

9:00-12:30 Session IV: Coastal Marine Ecology and animal behaviour - putting together the puzzle

12:30-1:30 Lunch

1:30-5:00 Session V: From theory to practice - how to address tricky questions, tie a knot and keep smiling. Working on ID in the field.

Session VI: Final round up - why a good naturalist makes a world of difference

Why take a Naturalist Training Course?

This course is an excellent opportunity for an individual working towards a job in the marine ecotourism industry. Marine interpretation is fun and challenging work, but it is not for everyone. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for community education and enjoyment of wildlife. Upon completion of the course participants will receive a course pack, a recommended reading list, and a certificate recognized by Professional Whale Watching Operators on the coast.

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