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:
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In-depth workforce development programming delivered to at least 1,000 participants.
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Technical and business advisory services, market insights, and scaling resources delivered to more than 100 entrepreneurs and small businesses.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Foundations of Oyster Farming: An Immersive Game
Foundations of Oyster Farming immerses students in the world of the Maine Aquaculture industry. Designed for the upper elementary grades and beyond, our free, online …
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
Read More
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2025 Research Progress Update
Each year, to keep you updated on our research team's progress, we develop an update showcasing some of our lab's achievements. More broadly, this update …
Reports
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Sea State Recap: Adapting Fisheries & Seafood
In this installment of the Sea State series at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), we hosted a conversation about how collaboration and shared …
Perspectives
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Community Science Wrapped 2025
Understanding how climate change is reshaping the Gulf of Maine, and New England at large, depends on steady, long-term observations — the kinds that reveal …
Perspectives
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Your Favorite Stories from 2025
Take a look back at some of our most-read stories in 2025.
Perspectives