The Gulf of Maine is in the midst of unprecedented change. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute's (GMRI) scientists are increasing our understanding of the potential impacts of climate change on the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. We monitor the physical changes taking place throughout the Gulf and study the impacts these changes may have on both people and wildlife.

GMRI researchers contribute data to ocean energy projects, allowing those projects to move forward with an understanding of how fish, whales, or other marine life may be affected. We study some of the smallest members of the food chain, copepods, to determine how they would respond to life in a warmer, more acidic ocean. Our researchers also map populations of copepods in order to predict where right whales, an important copepod predator, may be found in the Gulf.

In addition, GMRI is working with coastal communities to prepare for the potential impacts of climate change, including working with fishermen to reduce fuel consumption.