The newly renovated site will house the UMass Large Pelagics Research Center - which focuses on tracking bluefin tuna and leatherback turtles. Scientists from the Division of Marines Fisheries also plan to establish an aquaculture center on the bay to study lobster growth rates and mating behavior.

The partnership, and investment in the site - which had been shuttered for four years - is an example of marine research that Mayor Carolyn Kirk hopes will spread toward the harbor, where at least half the waterfront properties are underutilized. Last month, the city held a maritime economy conference with hopes of attracting researchers, universities, and businesses that create products from the sea.

The research project was spurred by Molly Lutcavage, a UMass professor and Large Pelagics Research Center founder and director who worked with local, state, and university officials to renovate the property.

Read the complete story in The Boston Globe