Strategic Initiative

Developing the Blue Economy & Supporting Working Waterfronts

Revitalizing coastal communities by supporting traditional and emerging industries and protecting vital infrastructure.

Coastal economies in the Gulf of Maine are entering a phase of accelerating opportunities while undergoing a multitude of social and environmental changes. We'll strengthen the blue economy and steward working waterfronts by supporting workforce development, investment, and waterfront access.

By 2030, we aim to achieve:

In-depth workforce development programming delivered to at least 1,000 participants.
Technical and business advisory services, market insights, and scaling resources delivered to more than 100 entrepreneurs and small businesses.
10 working waterfronts are permanently protected with covenants, and every Maine harbor offers dedicated waterfront access to farmers and harvesters.

Blue Economy & Working Waterfronts Work

We take a multifaceted approach to strengthening the blue economy and Maine’s working waterfronts by leveraging research, education, business support, and strategic partnerships. Explore our progress so far.

BlueTech Boost Incubator Program

The BlueTech Boost program is a 10-week incubator designed to assist early-stage startup founders in overcoming challenges and achieving milestones.
Climate Planning for the Private Sector

We work with businesses to increase operational resilience, decrease Greenhouse Gas emissions, and mobilize finance to ensure the region’s coastal businesses can continue to thrive …
Maine Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program

The Registered Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program is a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative designed to train the next generation of aquaculture professionals in Maine.
Re-evaluating the Cultural Value of Fisheries and Working Waterfronts

By conducting case studies in Japan and the US that more closely examines the relational values that local populations develop as they work with their …
Helping Working Waterfronts Thrive in a Warming World

To ensure working waterfront communities thrive in a warmer world, we’re developing a statewide model approach for working waterfront climate planning that can be used …
Research Experience for Undergraduates

At GMRI, one of nearly 700 NSF-funded REU sites across the country, we introduce students to an exciting diversity of marine and fisheries science opportunities. …

GMRI met us where we were during our company’s early stages. They not only helped us establish the strategic roadmap for accelerating Seascale’s development but also provided access to experts both within and outside of GMRI to help us get there.

Charlie Walsh Seascale Co-founder and GMRI BlueTech Boost Program Alumnus

Starting a Climate Committee: A Personal Guide

In 2024, while living in Woolwich, Dave Berndtson launched the town’s first climate resilience committee. He’s now a resident of Arrowsic (and a member of …

Perspectives
What does climate readiness look like for Maine’s towns?

Climate readiness looks different in every community, with each facing its own unique risks, priorities, and visions for the future. Through sustained relationships, place-based data, …

Perspectives
2025 Gulf of Maine Temperature Report

Over the past decade, our scientists have led a body of research that highlights temperatures in the Gulf of Maine. To keep you informed, we …

Reports
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) 101

This 101 explainer breaks down what the AMOC is, how it influences climate, what scientists are observing now, and what a changing AMOC could mean …

Explainers

Revitalizing coastal communities by supporting traditional and emerging industries and protecting vital infrastructure.

By 2030, we aim to achieve:

Blue Economy & Working Waterfronts Work

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