Our marine naturalist training course (MNTP) is an intensive 6-day overview of the natural history of the San Juan Islands and the marine waters of Washington and Southern British Columbia (known as the Salish Sea). This course includes an in-depth treatment of the ecology and conservation of local marine species, presented by highly trained local naturalists, environmental educators, and scientists. The upcoming summer session will be a dynamic and high-quality virtual experience.

These will be mostly full days, going from around 9 am -5 pm Pacific Time. Lectures and site visits will take place virtually through pre-recorded videos and webinar/videoconferencing platforms, such as Zoom and Whova. A full schedule with log-on information will be provided to registered students. The main focus of the training is the ecology, current status, and conservation of Southern Resident Killer Whales and other local marine species as well as discussions about the environments they live in. The course includes presentations on cetaceans, pinnipeds, otters, intertidal invertebrates, seabirds, and a variety of other topics such as geology and marine conservation. Faculty includes Whale Museum staff, professional naturalists, marine scientists, and environmental educators active in the region. 

Recordings will be made available to participants. As much as possible, there will be live, virtual Q & A sessions with presenters. While the Summer MNTP is virtual, we hope to be able to offer an additional experience in-person later this year.  MNTP participants will be given the first opportunity to enroll separately in an in-person weekend program on San Juan Island. More details will be announced as soon as we can confirm.

You can still earn The Whale Museum naturalist certification by completing an extra 10-hour practicum, which can be arranged during the course. Completion also entitles you to become a member of the Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists (SSAMN). Clock hour credits are also available. A limited number of Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships are also available for college students.