Gulf of Maine Research Institute

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) is a non-profit marine science center and research institute located in Portland, Maine. The institute promotes stewarding the ecosystem, supporting sustainable seafood, cultivating science literacy, and strengthening coastal communities.^[1]

History

Established in 1968 to teach about Maine’s fresh and saltwater resources and conduct research on the Gulf of Maine and its watershed.^[2]

In 1988, the then Research Institute of the Gulf of Maine (RIGOM) began to build an aquarium, first as a tourist destination, then as a research facility.^[3]

Today, the endowed institute promotes ocean stewardship and economic growth in the Gulf of Maine bioregion. Science, Education and Community programs are funded primarily by federal grants and charitable contributions.^[1]

The 44,000 sq. ft. Marine research and education laboratory opened in 2005. The institute established a digital learning environment called Vital Signs for Maine school children.^[4]

Recent accomplishments

• Published the reports: “Preparing for Emerging Fisheries: An Overview of Mid-Atlantic Stocks on the Move.” and "An Independent Evaluation of the Maine Limited Entry Licensing System for Lobster and Crab"
• created the 'Gulf of Maine Responsibly Harvested' brand
• Expanded the Marine Resource Education Program whose goal is to:
  • bring fishermen, scientists and managers together in a neutral setting outside the regulatory process
  • increase the number of people at work in New England fisheries who are comfortable working with the fishery data and management systems.^[1]

Other programs

• The Northeast Regional Cod Tagging Program
• The Cohen Center for Interactive Learning
• GMRI PowerHouse program

See also

• Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
• University of Southern Maine
• College of the Atlantic
• Friends of Casco Bay
• Maine Community Foundation

References