On October 1, 2005, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) officially opened a 44,000 sq. ft. hybrid research and education laboratory at the heart of Portlands working waterfront. This lab represents GMRI's first investment in facilities and includes a Fishery Ecosystem Research Wing (wet labs and analytical labs, office suites, shared conference rooms) and The Sam L. Cohen Center for Interactive Learning (live and digital exhibits create hand-on learning opportunities for Maine middle school students and teachers).

The lab:

• fosters research partnerships among the regions leading research institutions, education institutions, the fishing community, private industry, and other stakeholders;
  
• provides an effective vehicle for marine researchers to share their work in a meaningful way with Maine students, teachers, and families; and
  
• serves as an economic engine, creating high quality jobs, as well as graduate and undergraduate experiences for student from colleges and universities across the region.

We believe in the importance of community as the fundamental building block to resolving complex marine resource issues. Our facility was conceived to encourage collaboration across disciplines and institutions. Formal and informal meeting spaces are clustered around a three-story glass atrium which visually connects the city to the harbor. We are proud to share our lab with some of the leading marine research organizations in the region and to interact with the rich mix of scientists, fishermen, legislators, and educators regularly gather here. We are also pleased to make our facilities available to rent to outside organizations as schedules permit.