Planning for the Future of Shoreline Infrastructure of the Darling Marine Center to Enhance Capacity in Applied Marine Science Education

Principal Investigator: Heather Leslie (Marine Sciences, UMaine)

Partners: Jake Ward (Economic Development, UMaine)

Abstract: Researchers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders will meet to assess current and future needs for shoreline infrastructure at the Darling Marine Center (DMC), within the context of the University of Maine (UMS) system. As University of Maine’s marine laboratory, the DMC is a vital platform for applied marine research, workforce development, and K-20 education for the state and nation. To complement the strategic and master planning underway at the DMC, we propose to focus explicitly on shoreline infrastructure so as to ensure appropriate development and access to the facilities needed to conduct cutting-edge, industry-relevant research and education.