Gulf of Maine

The Gulf of Maine is a large, triangular-shaped body of water located on the Atlantic coast of North America. It is an ecologically significant region, known for its rich biodiversity and thriving fisheries. The Gulf is bordered by the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island to the north, and by the U.S. states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to the south.

Arctic staghorn sculpin – Gymnocanthus tricuspis

Three-spined stickleback – Gasterosteus aculeatus

Tiger shark – Galeocerdo cuvier

Huddle Hydroid, Sticky Hydroid – Bougainvillia muscus

Atlantic bluefin tuna – Thunnus thynnus

Bigeye scad – Selar crumenophthalmus

Arctic shanny – Stichaeus punctatus

Northern sennet – Sphyraena borealis

Cownose ray – Rhinoptera bonasus

Shark sucker – Remora remora

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Geography

The Gulf of Maine covers approximately 36,000 square miles (93,000 square kilometers). It is separated from the open Atlantic Ocean by a series of underwater ridges and banks, including Georges Bank. The depth of the Gulf ranges from shallow coastal areas to a maximum of 520 feet (160 meters) in the central basin.

Water Temperature

The Gulf of Maine experiences significant seasonal temperature variation. During the summer months, surface water temperatures can reach up to 68°F (20°C), while in winter, the water can freeze over in some areas. The Gulf's relatively warm waters compared to surrounding areas are influenced by the Gulf Stream, a warm current that flows northward along the eastern coast of North America.

Fauna

The Gulf of Maine is home to a diverse array of marine life, including:

  • Fish: Atlantic cod, haddock, halibut, lobster, herring, mackerel, sea bass, and tuna.
  • Marine mammals: Harbor seals, gray seals, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, minke whales, and humpback whales.
  • Seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills, common terns, and gulls.
  • Invertebrates: Lobsters, crabs, mussels, oysters, and sea urchins.

Economic Significance

The Gulf of Maine is a major center for commercial fishing, supporting a significant portion of the seafood industry in the region. In addition, tourism and recreation, including whale watching, fishing charters, and boating, play a vital role in the local economy.

Environmental Concerns

The Gulf of Maine is facing a number of environmental challenges, including:

  • Overfishing: Declining fish stocks due to overfishing have led to concerns about the sustainability of the fishing industry.
  • Climate change: Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changes in weather patterns are impacting marine ecosystems and fisheries.
  • Pollution: Runoff from agricultural and urban areas, as well as industrial discharges, can contaminate the Gulf's waters.

Efforts are underway to address these challenges and ensure the long-term health of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem.