Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) was launched in 2013 in the belief that the ocean represents a new source of opportunity. As a not-for-profit whose ambitious mission is to "address critical challenges facing our oceans, human health and the environment through innovative scientific research and education,” GMGI is demonstrating that there is vast potential in marine science discovery powered by genomics. Gloucester, a 400-year-old port, offers the ideal location and maritime infrastructure for situating the world’s first dedicated marine genomics research institute. The proximity of Cape Ann to the biotechnology hub of Cambridge and Boston allows for easy northward expansion of this economic driver.