The organization was established as the Research Institute of the Gulf of Maine (RIGOM) in 1968 to teach young learners about Maine’s fresh and saltwater resources and to conduct research on the Gulf of Maine and its watershed.^[2]

In 1988, the organization began work to launch a public aquarium. After significant market research, an aquarium was deemed not feasible. Instead, the organization worked to build a marine research laboratory that would continue to provide science education.^[3] The 44,000 sq ft (4,100 m²) marine research and education laboratory opened in 2005. 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.^[5]

• Launched a virtual climate center to address the critical issue of climate change in the oceans^[6]
• Renovated the Cohen Center for Interactive Learning^[7] and developed new climate-focused content for 5th and 6th grade students^[8]
• Published the reports: "Preparing for Emerging Fisheries: An Overview of Mid-Atlantic Stocks on the Move" and "An Independent Evaluation of the Maine Limited Entry Licensing System for Lobster and Crab"
• created the Gulf of Maine Responsibly Harvested brand
• Expanded the Marine Resource Education Program whose goal is to:
  • bring fishermen, scientists and managers together in a neutral setting outside the regulatory process
  • increase the number of people at work in New England fisheries who are comfortable working with the fishery data and management systems.^[1]