In my first year as President & CEO of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, I’ve learned a lot about this special community. My excitement and optimism about this organization’s future grow with each day at the lab and in the field alongside our staff.
I was first drawn to GMRI by its mission to develop and deliver collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. As an independent, objective research institute, our role is to deepen our scientific understanding and give that information to the people who need it most. Our staff are hard at work every day turning knowledge into action — using the tools of science to enhance our understanding of complex issues and engaging with stakeholders to co-develop real solutions.
We’re monitoring the health of ocean ecosystems that will sustain coastal communities for years to come. We’re helping these communities plan for and adapt to climate impacts that are made all the more present and obvious by the devastation brought by recent coastal flooding.
As we continue to observe and report on rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine, we’re also preparing the next generation with the education and workforce training that will prepare them to thrive in a warmer world.
Our scientists are also modeling the impacts of warming on our fisheries — and we’re translating that information to support fishermen and fisheries managers alike in their pursuit of shared sustainability goals. We’re likewise supporting both traditional seafood businesses and emergent blue economy entrepreneurs by providing the resources and experiences necessary to grow our coastal economy.
All of these efforts and more reflect our vision for a healthy Gulf of Maine and thriving coastal communities. As I’ve interacted with scientists, fishermen, municipal officials, educators, and other community leaders, it’s clear to me that our mission is more relevant than ever — both here locally and in communities around the world facing similar challenges. Based on my early experiences here, I have every confidence in this organization to carry out that mission.
In the coming year, we’ll reflect on the insights shared with us by our community and begin a new strategic planning process to prepare ourselves and others for the second half of this decade of change. I invite you to follow along with us by connecting with our staff, subscribing to email updates, or attending one of our many events. Until then, please join me in celebrating our progress and impact over the past year as a sign of more to come.
— Glenn Prickett, GMRI President/CEO