University of New England announces next-generation marine programs
The University of New England is developing new undergraduate marine sciences programs to meet growing demand and career opportunities. In Maine alone, the marine economy supports about 40,000 jobs and contributes nearly a billion dollars in economic activity each year.
One of UNE’s first new programs is an innovative degree in ocean studies and marine affairs. Recent funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will allow a major expansion of programs in sustainable fisheries, and pending federal grants could significantly expand UNE's aquaculture programs.
UNE opened its Marine Science Center (MSC) in September 2001 and since has invested over $15 million in marine programs, which are among the most highly enrolled at UNE. With its strategic location at the mouth of the Saco River Estuary as it enters Saco Bay, the Gulf of Maine, and the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, the MSC is one of few marine science centers located directly on a university’s main campus in the United States. The Marine Science Center provides an innovative academic framework to educate and train the next generation of marine science and policy leaders.
“The UNE leadership vision for marine programs is to educate the next generation of coastal leaders as informed citizens, stewards, scientists, business leaders, and policy-makers,” says Barry Costa-Pierce, Ph.D. FAAAS, Henry L. & Grace Doherty Professor, Chair of Marine Sciences, and Director of the UNE Marine Science Center. He adds, “UNE marine students will acquire science-based knowledge, leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation skills that will provide outstanding value to governmental and non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, coastal businesses, and civil societies worldwide. UNE is committed to developing interdisciplinary, experiential programs and internships that advance our students’ critical skills by promoting ‘team science.’”
The MSC established the Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Conservation (MARC) program in 2001 to assist in the effort to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine mammals–specifically, gray and harbor seals, which are native to North Atlantic waters but were threatened with dwindling numbers. Over the years, with the involvement of MARC and other partners along the Eastern seaboard, the seal colonies have significantly rebounded. Therefore, MSC will no longer rehabilitate marine mammals.
MSC’s faculty will focus on engaging UNE students in their ongoing research on marine mammal behavior, biology and policy, and MSC’s academic programs in marine mammal science are being strengthened to address the critical marine challenges of the 21st century.
“We are grateful to the MARC staff and the many dedicated volunteers over the years who have contributed to our success in this area,” says Costa-Pierce. “MSC is now ready to enter the exciting next phase of our continued contributions to marine science research, academic excellence, and Maine’s growing marine economy.”