Marine, Economic & Research Institute for Sustainability

Located in Blaine, Washington, at the U.S.–Canada border

View the Framework Partners & Supporters

About MERIS

A convening hub where education, research, and innovation intersect with policy, history, and culture.

2.5M
Regional Residents
1,200
Acres Certified Waters
6
Partner Institutions
2,000+
Acres Active Farms

MERIS is located in Blaine, Washington, at the U.S–Canada border, a convergence point of international partnerships, abundant fisheries, and established maritime industries supported by clean, accessible marine environments. MERIS serves as a collaborative hub where applied research, education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement advance sustainability for coastal communities while supporting new streams of economic growth.

Our Vision

A hub on the Salish Sea for applied research, innovation, education, workforce development, business growth, and cultural and recreational programs that foster connections to place. MERIS inspires stewardship of our region’s abundant coastal resources while supporting the growth of a resilient blue economy.

Our Mission

To develop and galvanize thriving coastal communities that sustain ecosystem integrity in the Salish Sea by fostering scalable solutions that grow the blue economy and develop a skilled workforce through a cooperative institute where education, research, and innovation intersect with policy, history, and culture.

Our Values

Sustainability

Committing to practices that protect and enhance natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Innovation

Encouraging research and practical solutions that advance sustainability while supporting a strong maritime economy.

Collaboration

Working across borders, sectors, and cultures to achieve shared goals and support knowledge exchange.

Empowerment

Building capacity and agency so people and communities can lead, innovate, and thrive.

Five Program Areas

Collaboration across program areas is central to how MERIS functions.

Marine Economy, Research, and Innovation

Goal

Support new and innovative businesses, technologies, and partnerships that sustain a thriving maritime economy.

Key Approaches

  • Provide space and programming to develop, test, and incubate products and services.
  • Apply aquaculture science through water quality and seafood health testing, monitoring, and data sharing.
  • Create space and resources for Indigenous-led initiatives.
  • Host a Blue Foods curriculum and lab with youth and culinary training programs.

Ecosystem Integrity and Environmental Stewardship

Goal

Promote measurable sustainability, improve environmental understanding, and support public participation in stewardship.

Key Approaches

  • Center transparent sustainability at every scale of MERIS.
  • Promote environmental literacy through educational tools and interpretive materials.
  • Facilitate alignment among coastal planning bodies through briefings and events.

Education and Workforce Development

Goal

Involve and empower people of all ages to engage in nearshore and marine education and career pathways.

Key Pathways

  • Marine sciences and resources: aquaculture, ecosystems, water quality, marine biology.
  • Vessel operations: tugboats, ferries, and marine transportation.
  • Marine construction and repair: boat building, maintenance, and engineering support.

Culture

Goal

Celebrate and uplift local and traditional stories, history, and art connected to Drayton Harbor and the Salish Sea.

Key Approaches

  • Collaborate with Tribal and First Nation partners to amplify Indigenous stories.
  • Celebrate coastal traditions and artwork through events and exhibits.
  • Share history and impacts of European contact, including resilience and continuity.
  • Establish a gathering place for arts, history, and storytelling.

Recreation and Healthy Communities

Goal

Support safe, accessible opportunities to connect with community and the natural environment through on-water and shoreline programming.

Key Approaches

  • Expand opportunities for the public to access and learn from the waterfront.
  • Create integrated programs such as equipment access and sliding-scale instruction.
  • Enhance interpretive experiences for trails and nature walks.
  • Support community wellness through nature-based activities and experiential learning.

Strategic Priorities

Economic Stability and Innovation

Support concept testing, business incubation, and workforce training in sustainable aquaculture and blue innovation.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Support monitoring and actions related to water quality, habitat restoration, and sustainable aquaculture.

Sustainable Coastal Urban Development

Advance practical development approaches for small coastal communities.

Destination and Accessibility

Create a welcoming destination that supports waterfront access for residents and visitors.

Strong Relationships

Build partnerships among industry, institutions, government, nonprofits, and Indigenous-led partners.

Transboundary Collaboration

Connect stewardship, economy, education, and culture across borders and bioregions.

Partners and Supporters

Organizations and individuals contributing to MERIS planning, coordination, and implementation.

Core Team
Executive Steering Committee
Charette Participants
Work Groups

MERIS Conceptual Framework

Read the current framework document. This is a working document and will evolve through partner input.

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Contact

If you are interested in partnering, sharing data, or participating in a work group, contact the MERIS team.

Email: info@meris.blue

Blaine, Washington, United States