Why Bigelow Matters to You
The world’s ocean
- provides almost all the water that falls on land
- holds 50 times more carbon than the atmosphere
- profoundly affects the climate
- is the main protein source for a billion people
- serves as a vast repository of genetic diversity for new products and medicines
Yet the ocean is increasingly threatened by climate change, acidification, depletion of wild fish populations, pollution, invasive species, and coastal development. Indeed, the independent Pew Oceans Commission reported that the world’s oceans are in “a state of silent collapse.”
That’s why Bigelow’s fundamental research in marine microbiology and ocean health is more urgent than ever.
Our work is advancing knowledge of the vital connections between the ocean's smallest living particles and all life on Earth.
We deliver
- unbiased information and expertise to help inform government policy
- mentoring and inspiration to the next generation of ocean scientists
- technology to help solve problems and harness the ocean’s potential to benefit society
Why You Matter to Bigelow
Today, Bigelow Laboratory’s work is more urgent than ever.
The Earth is experiencing larger changes in climate patterns, natural-resource use, and population than ever before in human history.
In response, we are building the future of ocean science on the coast of Maine by
- hiring new scientists and staff, and breaking ground for our new Ocean Science and Education Campus
- forging partnerships with Colby College (to help train the next generation of ocean scientists)
- creating an Office of Corporate Alliances and Technology Transfer to channel our intellectual property into commercial markets.
None of this would be possible without the support of individual donors like you.
Your gifts to Bigelow Laboratory—our all-important base of private support—are critical to our core research and education programs as we work to build a sustainable future for the Laboratory, the state of Maine, and the world’s ocean at an unprecedented moment in history.
We are on the threshold of an extraordinary opportunity to shape oceanography for decades to come, benefit society, and open new frontiers for future generations. We’re all in this together.
Please join us in these efforts by supporting the Laboratory with a donation today.