Cooperative Marine Education and Research
The Cooperative Marine Education and Research Program is a partnership between the National Marine Fisheries Service and academic institutions. The Cooperative Marine Education and Research Program research addresses a wide range of issues important in the Northeast, such as winter flounder ecology, seafood shelf life, subsistence fishing and cod maturation.

Cooperative Research
Members of the local fishing industry are essential partners in many MFI research projects, such as the sea scallop, yellowtail flounder and cod tagging, and the trawl study fleet program.

Fishermen Safety Training
The MFI reaches beyond the classroom to educate the public. Recognizing the tragedy of fishing accidents, MFI divers and scientists host fishermen safety training workshops, which are televised on local stations to broaden their impact.

Another important outreach mechanism is the Working Waterfront Festival which is now an annual event in New Bedford. The festival allows MFI researchers to have one-on-one conversations with members of the public about their work.