Gulf of Maine Research Institute

We’re truly grateful for the dedication of the partners, researchers, community members, students, and organizations we had the privilege of collaborating with last year! In 2024, this commitment to actionable science led to: - 15k+ students engaged in STEM learning experiences - 63 startups prepared for investment and growth in the blue economy - 47% of seafood was sourced locally by businesses and institutions in our Tastemaker's program - 39 publications in peer-reviewed journals - 3,850 community scientists contributed meaningful data to several research projects - 1k+ stakeholders engaged in climate resilience work Check out our 2024 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/eM4absR2

Did you know that more than 70% of our team are women? Their expertise and leadership drive our work to understand the Gulf of Maine. We are grateful for their contributions and the diverse perspectives they bring to our mission everyday. ????????

While 2024 may have seemed relatively cool, it still came in as the 12th warmest year on record for sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Maine. The long-term warming trend in our region remains undeniable, even with a natural swing in temperatures across years. We continue to expect more sustained warmth in the years and decades ahead without significant global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read more in The Portland Press Herald: https://lnkd.in/eKSPKDg4

We had an amazing time at the Maine Fishermen's Forum this weekend! A huge thank you to everyone who visited our booth! Our community relies so much on the hardworking fishermen, scientists, and industry leaders who make Maine’s fisheries strong, and we’re proud to continue partnering with you all. Can't wait to see you next year! ??

Our new biological oceanographer, Dr. Jerome Pinti, investigates how sharks can help us learn more about hurricanes! Dr. Pinti, in collaboration with the University of Delaware and PhD candidate Caroline Wiernicki, recently published a new paper that explored what shark species would serve as the best ocean observers and data collectors based on their movement patterns. Mako sharks and blue sharks emerged as the best options. After being tagged, these sharks will swim up and down in the water column, collecting data points that will be transmitted back to researchers via satellite when the sharks swim at the surface. The information these sharks collect will teach us about real-time conditions in the offshore ocean, where traditional methods can be prohibitively expensive. Read the paper: https://lnkd.in/e8Wgc6Vy

We’re celebrating love with some fun Valentines!???We loved working with Bri Dostie to create these species illustrations ?????? Which one is your favorite?!??

We're pleased to announce Rhiannon Hampson as our vice president for economic development! Hampson will lead our economic development efforts, strengthening existing programs while building new initiatives. Hampson’s background in agriculture, rural development, environmental policy, fisheries, and forestry—along with her extensive network and leadership experience—will help drive investment in coastal communities. “As climate change presents new challenges—both natural and economic—for the Gulf of Maine region, I also see opportunities,” Hampson said. “By engaging the business community creatively, we can foster economic growth that is both sustainable and resilient.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eEsmB7fj Photo credit: Colleen Shaw Gleason

Don't miss our final Sea State of the season! Enjoy some light snacks and beers from Allagash Brewing Company as you learn about the science of hope in the face of a changing climate, how to inspire action, and strategies to prepare for sea level rise. Maine is on a mission to become the most climate-ready state in the nation — and it all starts with community action! ??? Wed, Feb 12 ?? 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm ?? GMRI, 350 Commercial St. Portland ME ?? GMRI's Gayle Bowness & Susie Arnold from the Island Institute Save your spot: https://lnkd.in/dcmb73MM

?? UPCOMING EVENT ?? What does it take to make Maine the most climate-ready state in the nation? It starts with you and your community! Join us for an evening with GMRI’s Gayle Bowness and Susie Arnold from the Island Institute as they dive into strategies for addressing sea level rise, fostering collaboration, and building hope for the future of our coastal communities. ??? Wed, Feb 12 ?? 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm ?? GMRI, 350 Commercial St. Portland ME ?? Thank you to our beer sponsor, Allagash Brewing Company Sign up to attend: https://lnkd.in/dcmb73MM

?? Celebrating 20 years! ?? This year marks two decades of advancing science and building resilience in the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it! While we were founded in 1968, our lab opened in 2005 on Portland’s waterfront. This milestone marked the beginning of our current story and the refinement of our science-driven, community-centered mission, which we have diligently carried out ever since. Stay tuned as we celebrate this journey and share stories of impact, partnership, and what's next. #20YearsOfImpact