The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) was incorporated in 1968. For the past decade we have been on an aggressive growth track to lay the foundation for a new genre of marine science, education, and community institution. As a result, we have emerged as a leading convenor of complex marine resource discussions, a catalyst for a new “ecosystem-approach” to marine research, and an effective translator of rigorous science into engaging formal and informal educational materials.

GMRI is at an extraordinary point in its evolution. To date we have:

• Secured two acts of Congress to acquire 5.5 acres of harbor-front property;
  
• Built a state-of-the-art marine research and education facility on the Portland waterfront (which opened in 2005);
  
• Recruited a team of interdisciplinary marine scientists from around the world;
  
• Earned the trust and respect of a broad cross section of marine stakeholders and assembled the expertise to facilitate  constructive dialogue to transform fishery management;
  
• Established a unique digital learning environment and funding model to provide Maine’s middle school students with universal access to an extraordinary hands-on marine research experience; and
  
• Spearheaded efforts to leverage Maine’s competitive advantages in marine science for economic development purposes.

Over the next five to ten years, our opportunity and challenge is to maximize our impact.