Gulf of Maine Research Institute


The Gulf of Maine Research Institute 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.

History

The organization was established as the Research Institute of the Gulf of Maine in 1968 to teach young learners about Maine’s fresh and saltwater resources and to conduct research on the Gulf of Maine and its watershed.
In 1988, the organization began work to launch a public aquarium. After significant market research, an aquarium was deemed not feasible. Instead, the organization worked to build a marine research laboratory that would continue to provide science education. The 44,000 sq. ft. marine research and education laboratory opened in 2005. The institute established an online education program called Vital Signs for Maine school children.
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.

Recent accomplishments