Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Abbreviation | GMRI |
---|---|
Motto | Science. Education. Community. |
Formation | 1968 |
Purpose | research, education, environmental stewardship |
Location | |
Region served
|
United States |
Official language
|
English |
CEO
|
Don Perkins |
Main organ
|
Board of directors |
Website | www |
Formerly called
|
Gulf of Maine Aquarium; Research Institute of the Gulf of Maine (RIGOM) |
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