Gulf of Maine

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Saccharina latissima NOAA

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire 2004

Gulf of Maine

The Gulf of Maine is a large gulf off the northeastern coast of North America, bounded by the New England states of the United States—including Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts—and the Atlantic Canada provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is a significant body of water that connects to the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, with its northern boundary formed by the Bay of Fundy and its western boundary delineated by the coast of Maine.

Geography

The Gulf of Maine covers an area of approximately 36,000 square miles (93,000 km²), characterized by a wide continental shelf and a complex coastline featuring numerous bays, estuaries, and islands. Notable islands in the Gulf include Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, and Grand Manan Island, located at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy. The Gulf's topography and its connection to the Atlantic Ocean through the Northeast Channel make it a rich habitat for a diverse range of marine life.

Ecology

The Gulf of Maine is known for its productive ecosystems, supporting a variety of marine species, including commercial fish species like cod, haddock, and lobster. The area is also critical for the migration and breeding of several marine mammals, such as the North Atlantic right whale, making it an important area for conservation efforts. The mixing of cold waters from the Labrador Current with warmer waters from the Gulf Stream creates a unique environment that fuels the Gulf's high productivity.

Economic Importance

The Gulf of Maine is of significant economic importance to the bordering states and provinces. The fishing industry has historically been a central part of the region's economy, with fisheries targeting the Gulf's abundant stocks of lobster, groundfish, and shellfish. In addition to fishing, the Gulf supports a vibrant tourism industry, with visitors attracted to its scenic coastlines, national parks, and marine activities such as whale watching and recreational fishing.

Environmental Concerns

The Gulf of Maine faces several environmental challenges, including overfishing, climate change, and pollution. Rising sea temperatures in the Gulf have been recorded at some of the highest rates globally, affecting marine habitats and species distributions. Efforts to address these challenges include the implementation of sustainable fishing practices, the establishment of marine protected areas, and research into the impacts of climate change on the Gulf's ecosystems.

Research and Conservation

Numerous organizations and institutions are dedicated to studying the Gulf of Maine, including the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. These entities work on understanding the complex dynamics of the Gulf's ecosystems, monitoring environmental changes, and developing strategies for conservation and sustainable use of the Gulf's natural resources.