The institute promotes stewarding the ecosystem, supporting sustainable seafood, cultivating science literacy, and strengthening coastal communities.
The institute established an online education program called Vital Signs for Maine school children.
[4] Today, the endowed institute promotes ocean stewardship and economic growth in the Gulf of Maine bioregion.
Science, Education and Community programs are funded primarily by federal grants and charitable contributions.
[1] In December 2022, the institute purchased Portland's Union Wharf, ending five generations of family ownership.