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The MERI Center for Marine Studies opened its doors to the
public in the summer of 2001 and has since become an important
resource for the local community and the region. Overlooking
Blue Hill harbor, the Center reflects MERI's commitment to
protecting the health of the coastal ecosystem.
MERI’s Center for Marine Studies in Blue Hill, Maine
serves as the headquarters for MERI's operations in Maine
and the Gulf of Maine. Established in 2001, the Center has
already become an important resource for the community, the
state, and the Northeast Atlantic region. In the new, expanded
space, MERI offers a diverse range of program services to
its constituency of over 140,000 people in the mid-coast region.
These include:
• Scientific research on the impacts of persistent pollutants
on marine mammals
• Water quality monitoring and coastal impact studies
• A seal stranding response and rescue program
• Ecological cruises, experiential education and stewardship
programs for all ages
• Public outreach and information sharing through the
MERI News, Fact Sheets and the MERI website
• A distinguished speaker series, conferences and forums
on ocean issues
• Fellowships, internships and training for future marine
scientists and educators
The Center houses a Main Gallery and Lecture Space, Ocean
Aquarium Room, Sea Lending Library, Marine Research Laboratories,
and a Marine Environmental Sciences Library.
Facilities
The first floor of the Center is dedicated to education and
public outreach. The Sea Lending Library contains more than
600 volumes along with interactive computer programs and ocean
videos which make it an exciting place for both adults and
children to conduct research or learn more.
There is a Main Gallery which hosts a revolving series of
exhibits on ocean life and marine issues. Teachers can now
bring their class to the sea – in the Ocean Aquarium
Room at MERI or walk down to the shore of Blue Hill Bay just
outside our door.
For the latest ocean research news, the Elisabeth
Mann Borgese Lecture Series brings distinguished speakers
on ocean issues to share their knowledge with the public.
For those who want in-the-field activity
in spring and summer, try joining the MERI team as a research
intern or a seal-stranding volunteer, or sign up for an Island
Excursion or Eco-Cruise.
From ocean pollution, seafood safety, and
the impacts of aquaculture to endangered marine wildlife species,
the Center provides accurate public health information that
is vital to the community and the world.
The sub-ground floor of the Center houses the Marine Research
Laboratories that are central to carrying out MERI’s
research and monitoring activities. The labs contain a Marine
Mammal Care Unit that can shelter stranded seals, as well
as areas with specialized equipment for the collection, storage,
and analysis of tissues. Soon we will have our own Water Chemistry
Lab to monitor, analyze and provide data important to MERI
and other organizations and agencies for projects, policy
initiatives and research.
The second floor of the Center houses an extensive Environmental
Research Library, research offices, and a conference room.
From the Blue Hill facility, MERI’s research staff is
connected with researchers in the Gulf of Maine and the worldwide
scientific community.
Community Services
Year-round, the MERI Resource Center operates an information
clearinghouse on marine issues such as ocean pollution and
endangered marine species. MERI sponsors community-wide services
ranging from water-quality monitoring and cleanups of marine
debris on local beaches to community forums on coastal issues.
MERI’s Center for Marine Studies is located at 55 Main
Street in Blue Hill, Maine, 45 minutes from Acadia National
Park. We are open year-round and our hours are 9-5, Monday
through Friday excluding holidays. In July and August we are
open 9-5 Monday through Saturday. Please visit the Center
for Marine Studies to learn more about marine science and
the exciting world beneath the sea.
Please explore the rest of the MERI web site to learn more
about our organization and programs.
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