Gulf of Maine Research Institute

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) is an independent, objective nonprofit organization dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. GMRI leverages the Gulf of Maine to test and develop solutions to ocean challenges around the world, combining world-class marine research with robust community and education programming to understand how natural, social, and economic systems interact. GMRI’s interdisciplinary approach includes commitments to science, education, community support, and strategic initiatives. The institute’s Climate Center uses the best available science to predict ocean change and support the hardworking people who depend on the Gulf of Maine. GMRI offers a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and more. The Blue w(AI)ve Accelerator is a 16-week program focused on early-stage companies leveraging artificial intelligence in ocean-based solutions. The Gulf of Maine Tastemakers program consists of businesses and institutions committed to putting local seafood front and center. The LabVenture program provides hands-on science experiences for students. Community Resilience Training supports Maine’s rural coastal communities in increasing their capacity to plan and prepare for coastal climate impacts. Gulf of Maine Ventures is the entrepreneurship and innovation arm of the institute, bridging the gap between innovative, blue economy businesses and the capital and networks needed to help them grow. The Municipal Climate Action Program (MCAP) developed Planning Forward, a workshop to support community resilience planning processes. The Coastal Dynamics Lab studies changes in mean and extreme coastal and estuarine water levels to support coastal management, flood forecasting, and preparedness. The Quantitative Fisheries Research lab conducts research to improve the management of ecologically and economically valuable marine resources. The Fisheries Ecology lab investigates ecological information about economically important fish to ensure that fisheries can adapt to changes. The Pelagic Fisheries lab uses cutting-edge science to fill life history gaps for highly valuable and migratory species. The Integrated Systems Ecology lab works to distill and analyze complex ocean dynamics to inform decision-makers and promote sustainability and resiliency in the Gulf of Maine. The Climate Change Ecology lab seeks to understand how warming, acidification, and deoxygenation alter marine ecosystems. The Coastal and Marine Economics lab seeks to understand the mechanisms behind decisions and behaviors related to coastal and marine resource uses. The Ocean Data Products team transforms complex ocean data into simplified, accessible information streams and visuals for a diverse range of stakeholders. The Learning Sciences lab seeks to advance the scientific understanding of teaching and learning by thoughtfully inquiring into the contexts in which learning happens. The Community Science Program engages communities in meaningful scientific research and monitoring. The Sustainable Seafood Program supports the Gulf of Maine seafood industry by bolstering regional market share for local, sustainable fish. The Electronic Monitoring (EM) project supports the use of technology to improve fisheries management. The Preparing Communities for Sea Level Rise project helps coastal communities assess their climate risks and act on opportunities to adapt and thrive. The Climate Decision Theater is an interactive learning environment and workshop experience for fishery stakeholders. The Northeast Climate Integrated Modeling (NCLIM) project aims to transform fisheries’ decision-making processes to be more forward-looking. The Climate Adaptation Strategies for Northeast U.S. Fishing Communities project provides community-scale information to guide adaptation and planning for future ecosystem and fishery changes. The Gulf of Maine Warming Updates provide insights into the rapid pace of warming in the Gulf of Maine. The Community Resilience Training program equips communities with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed for climate planning.