Gulf of Maine Research Institute

In celebration of World Fisheries Day, we’re exploring what a fishery really means. It’s not just the fish. It’s the people, places, and practices that bring seafood to your plate. 🦞 The resource: the species being harvested, such as lobster, haddock, softshell clams, or elvers 👨🌾 The people: harvesters, seafood workers, and communities connected to the industry 🌊 The place: the specific waters or coastlines where the harvest takes place 🎣 The practices: the gear, rules, traditions, and knowledge that guide how seafood is caught or farmed Learn how all these pieces work together in our Fisheries 101 blog: https://lnkd.in/gzVHsDpy

We’re excited to share that our President & CEO, Glenn Prickett, will be joining a panelist of community leaders at Collaborating for Good: Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP). He’ll be showcasing GMRI’s dedication to partnership, community impact, and science-based innovation. 🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/ez3beXXQ

Congratulations to our very own Sophie Swetz and her co-authors on their new publication in Fisheries: “Climate resilience in the fisheries social–ecological system: Capturing opportunities from emerging species in the Gulf of Maine.” Maine’s fisheries, historically reliant on lobster, face increasing vulnerability as warming waters push lobster stocks northward and offshore. At the same time, species like black sea bass are expanding into Gulf of Maine waters — presenting a real opportunity for diversification and strengthening fisheries resilience. This study highlights the dual challenge and opportunity — while Maine fishermen are eager to diversify to reduce vulnerability, current regulations and management frameworks limit their ability to fully capitalize on emerging species. The authors recommend actionable strategies to build resilience across the fisheries social–ecological system. By combining ecological insight with stakeholder-driven management, this research offers a pathway for Maine’s fisheries to navigate change proactively — protecting livelihoods, supporting working waterfronts, and fostering a resilient seafood system. Read the paper: https://lnkd.in/gza28D8K

Curt Brown, a Maine lobsterman and founder of Bold Coast Seafood, knows how connected the health of the Gulf of Maine and our way of life on the coast are. From working side by side with our scientists during his time at GMRI to now leading his own seafood business, he has witnessed firsthand how our waters are changing faster than ever before -- and how vital it is that we work together to adapt. His story reflects the heart of our work: using science in partnership with the people and industries that depend on the Gulf of Maine to ensure our ecosystems, communities, and economies thrive. Your support ensures that the science, education, and partnerships needed to protect our ocean can continue for generations to come: https://lnkd.in/gprgdD3i

We’re hiring a Facilities Maintenance Technician! The successful candidate will assist with maintenance and upkeep of our buildings and wharves, implementing maintenance plans, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and safety standards. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/git-6-56

We’re proud to be celebrating Maine’s newest electric boat charger today. Installed as part of a marine electrification pilot project through GPCOG’s Maine Clean Communities program, this effort will allow electric boats from up and down the coast to recharge right here in Portland's bustling working waterfront. Huge thanks to our partners — Greater Portland Council of Governments, Maine Ocean Farms, Aqua superPower Limited, Vita-Evoy, Island Institute, Spark Applied Efficiency, and Fogg's Boatworks — for leading the way toward a cleaner marine future.

Are you an early-stage startup building solutions for a sustainable ocean economy? Our BlueTech Boost program offers tailored mentorship, expert guidance, and non-dilutive microgrants to help ocean-focused founders overcome early-stage hurdles and scale their impact. Our Gulf of Maine Ventures team is accepting applications now from startups looking to join our next cohort! Applications close December 12, 2025! Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eKeYY7kE

Where are the cod? Our researcher, Katie Lankowicz, is helping uncover how Atlantic cod populations have shifted over time by combining decades of survey data, climate trends, and habitat details. ▪️ Cod distribution is most strongly influenced by depth, bottom temperature, and gravelly sediment - with cod typically preferring cooler, deeper waters. ▪️ Though the abundance and range of the species has shrunk over the last four decades, some areas still support high numbers of cod. ▪️ If cod are condensed into just a few favorable areas, the population becomes increasingly vulnerable to environmental changes in those areas. Understanding these patterns helps scientists track cod recovery and protect critical habitats in a changing ocean. Read the paper here: https://lnkd.in/gtC5XnTs

We’re proud to serve as the Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure partner for Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), helping keep the Northeast connected to the ocean in real time. Our Ocean Data Products team integrates buoy and weather data from across the region and develops tools like dashboards and APIs to make that information accessible and actionable. We also power the NERACOOS Mariners’ Dashboard, providing up-to-date Gulf of Maine sea conditions, from waves and winds to tides, for fishermen, sailors, and coastal managers. Together, we’re improving forecasts and supporting smarter decisions for those who depend on the ocean every day. Learn more about this collaboration: https://lnkd.in/gjkycfuJ