University of New England

Maine-Based Institutions Form New Maine Marine Research Coalition to Increase Research Capacity, Collaboration and Visibility

Twenty-four Maine-based institutions have come together to form the Maine Marine Research Coalition (MMRC), the new coalition's member institutions jointly announced in February.

 The mission of MMRC is to strengthen Maine's capacity to conduct cutting-edge marine research, increase collaboration and interaction among marine-based research institutions throughout the state, and increase the visibility of marine-related industries state wide.

Composed of public, private, non-profit and for-profit Maine institutions, MMRC has a vision to leverage Maine's traditional maritime strengths to play a significant role in a vibrant, 21st century ocean-based economy, combining scientific research, product and technology development, and education to sustain marine resources. This initiative will create jobs for Maine citizens, and contribute valuable knowledge of the world's oceans.

Economic Development
Based on Maine's strong historical, cultural and economic ties to the ocean, this initiative is seen as an integral component of Maine's economic development strategy.

"As Governor, I have made research one of the cornerstones of Maine's economic development initiatives," stated Gov. John Baldacci. "Jack Cashman, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, and I are committed to working gathering support for another research and development bond initiative."

MMRC Executive Committee Member Edward Legg, J.D., said, "Members of the Maine Marine Research Coalition are pleased to be part of the Governor's 2005 bond package, which includes funds for marine research. Investment by the state will not only provide immediate construction jobs and long-term research jobs, but also will help build a marine research infrastructure. As we build this infrastructure, we will become a center of excellence both regionally and nationally."

Existing Research Strengths
MMRC's efforts are founded on Maine's existing strengths in marine research, which include the productivity of the Gulf of Maine, an innovative fishing community, and a committed science community with a handful of world-class researchers.

"Marine research stimulates entrepreneurial activity as well," noted Don Perkins, Ph.D., MMRC president and president of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, "creating new businesses and enlarging new industries such as aquaculture, which means many more stable, good-paying jobs. Maine's wild and cultured fisheries currently sustain 25,000 jobs in small communities from Kittery to Lubec. Many more jobs will be created when biotechnology and marine biology are fused to create a entirely new marine support system.

"In addition," Perkins continued, "strengthening Maine's marine research capacity is a powerful antidote to Maine's 'brain drain.' Attracting and keeping an educated and skilled workforce is critical to our success."

Enhancing Marine Research Infrastructure
Enhancing Maine's marine research infrastructure will enable MMRC members to compete aggressively for federal marine research funds. A successful model for this type of investment in research infrastructure is the Maine Biomedical Research Coalition (MBRC), established in 2002 by Maine's five independent non-profit research institutions. The MBRC has been supported by the state through bonds and direct appropriations, and has demonstrated a 6 to 1 return on investment.

"Everyone wins in the long term with the MMRC," pointed out Sandy Sage, Ph.D., MMRC executive committee member and executive director of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. "Maine's marine research and educational institutions are enhanced, the health of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem is protected, the traditional fishing industry is supported, new marine biotech businesses can be developed, more jobs for Maine people are created, and the potential for better health can be realized.

"The Gulf of Maine has the potential to add to valuable scientific knowledge about the local, regional and global environment," further observed Sage. "The potential also exists for discovering or creating valuable and health-giving products, like medicines from the sea."

In the future, it is expected that Maine's research institutions and coalitions will work together on many diverse and exciting projects to build a comprehensive research, development and educational infrastructure, which will create significant benefits for the entire state.

Maine Marine Research Coalition members include:
Bates College
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
Bowdoin College
Cobscook Bay Resource Center
Department of Economic and Community Development
Department of Marine Resources
Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education
Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS)
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
Maine Maritime Academy
MariCal
Maine State Planning Office
Maine Technology Institute
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
Pemaquid Oyster Company
Penobscot East Resource Center
R.J. Peacock Canning Company
Sea Run Holdings, Inc.
University of Maine
University of Maine School of Marine Science
University of New England
University of Southern Maine Bioscience Institute
Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve

(Press release issued Feb. 28, 2005)