Downeast Institute

Downeast Institute, located on the shores of Great Wass island in the fishing village of Beals, is easternmost marine research facility, shellfish hatchery, and education center in the U.S. Downeast Institute was founded to generate new knowledge of the marine ecosystem for all who depend on it, and our specialty is shellfish. As the University of Maine at Machias Marine Science Field Station and local experiential classroom, DEI enriches the education of youth, university students and the visiting public. Our Pre-K through 12th grade Marine Science Program provides supplemental intensive hands-on science and math educational programming to schools in Washington and Hancock counties. We also work with schools across the coast of Maine to better understand their intertidal resources and changes occurring due to warming ocean waters, as well as shellfish husbandry techniques.