Research Projects

At GMGI, we are using a genomics approach to mine the vast genetic diversity of marine organisms for discovery of novel compounds and biologicals with applications in medicine, biotechnology, and industry. The initial focus is on the diverse microbial communities

The oceans are home to many of the earth’s longest-lived animals with several marine vertebrates and invertebrates documented to live for centuries. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which these animals achieve their extraordinary life histories may reveal effective

Photo credit: NOAA/NWFSC Blooms of toxin-producing organisms like dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria can have a tremendous impact on marine ecosystems, fisheries and human health. Harmful algal blooms are estimated to cost the U.S. economy $50 million per year due to closure of

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS, https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/) is a historic fishing ground renowned for remarkable productivity with biodiversity conservation being a key management priority. Given that SBNMS resides in the Gulf of Maine where sea surface temperatures are rising faster

Norovirus is a highly contagious RNA virus that causes sudden onset of gastroenteritis including vomiting and diarrhea. This virus poses a risk for shellfisheries because when Norovirus particles are introduced to the environment through untreated sewage they can be concentrated

At GMGI, we are adapting technology developed by researchers at MIT and the Broad Institute and working with researchers at the University of Arizona to create low cost, highly sensitive, field-deployable tests that can detect minute quantities of viruses and

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) spawn during winter and early spring months in New England embayments where dredging projects often occur that are vital to maintain and improve navigational waterways for the growth of coastal community economies throughout Massachusetts. To protect

For over 400 years, the cod fishery has been the emblem of the New England maritime economy. Over the past 40 years, cod populations have been estimated at historically low abundances, causing drastic reductions of fishery quotas that have resulted

The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is an iconic species that is integral to marine ecosystems and supports an important commercial fishery in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. The lobster also serves as a valuable model organism for the study of neural