The Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System announced on November 9, 2009 that they have merged. The press release discussing the announcement follows.
PORTLAND, Maine — Nov. 9, 2009 — The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) and the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS) announced today that they have merged to enhance their capacity to understand the Gulf of Maine and develop innovative solutions to the complex challenges of ocean stewardship and economic growth.
“We’re looking ahead at what’s needed to have a real impact in the face of climate change and to foster sustainable fishing practices that really work for our coastal communities,” said Don Perkins, president, GMRI. “The merger between GMRI and GoMOOS represents a landmark opportunity to combine ecosystem science with information technology and data sharing to address seemingly intractable challenges. It also presents an opportunity for GMRI to support regional cooperation in ocean observing through the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS).”
As one of the region’s leading research institutions, GMRI advances sustainable uses of marine resources and nurtures science literacy through a fusion of science, education and community programs. GMRI’s lab on the waterfront in Portland houses an international team of scientists working to fill key information gaps about commercial fish species, critical and sensitive habitats, fishing practices and gear technology, and economic decision making.
GoMOOS currently provides access to real-time ocean weather data for mariners, resource managers, scientists, educators, emergency response teams and other groups. These services will continue following the merger. In addition, GoMOOS brings to GMRI the capacity to manage, synthesize and share ocean data for multiple uses. This will open the door to bring ocean data products to new audiences — from schools to coastal management bodies to fishing cooperatives — and lead to new funding opportunities.
GoMOOS was founded in 1999 as a pilot for the concept of a national integrated ocean observing system. The effort was enormously successful, producing a cutting-edge system for collecting environmental data through a network of buoys in the Gulf of Maine . The buoy system was developed and is now owned and operated by the University of Maine as part of a comprehensive network overseen by NERACOOS. GoMOOS is an active participant in NERACOOS, providing leadership in data integration and product development.
“Now that ocean observing has a life of its own, it makes sense to reapply and extend our staff expertise to translate data into usable products that maximize benefits for the Gulf of Maine community. Merging with GMRI will accomplish this goal,” said Tom Shyka, acting chief executive officer, GoMOOS. “It’s a great opportunity to integrate two complementary organizations with missions to drive solutions for the Gulf of Maine. It’s important that the many mariners who have come to rely on GoMOOS know we’re still there for them, and this service is only the beginning of the many ways we can use ocean data.”
The company will continue to operate under the name Gulf of Maine Research Institute, with five GoMOOS employees joining GMRI’s staff. They will continue to work at GMRI’s research facility on Portland’s waterfront, where GoMOOS has been located since 2005. www.gmri.org or call (207) 772-2321.
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Media Contact:
Blaine Grimes
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
(207) 228-1655
bgrimes@gmri.org