Gulf of Saint Lawrence

The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is a large gulf located in eastern Canada. It is the largest gulf in the world, and its waters are home to a diverse range of marine life. The gulf is a major economic driver for the region, providing important fishing grounds and supporting a vibrant tourism industry.

Amphipod – Gammarellus homari

Chinstrap Penguin – Pygoscelis antarcticus

Southern Elephant Seal – Mirounga leonina

Leopard Seal – Hydrurga leptonyx

Weddell Seal – Leptonychotes weddellii

Southern Rockhopper Penguin, Rockhopper Penguin, Rockhopper, Victoria Penguin, Drooping-Crested Penguin, Tufted Penguin, Crested Penguin, Jackass Penguin – Eudyptes chrysocome

Starry ray – Amblyraja radiata

Antarctic Fur Seal – Arctocephalus gazella

Sandworm, King Ragworm – Alitta virens

Green sea turtle – Chelonia mydas

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Geography

The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is a large, triangular-shaped body of water located on the eastern coast of Canada. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. The gulf is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Strait of Belle Isle and Cabot Strait. The gulf is also connected to the Saint Lawrence River, which flows through the Great Lakes and connects to the Atlantic Ocean. The total area of the gulf is approximately 155,000 square kilometers (60,000 sq mi). The average depth of the gulf is 132 meters (433 feet) with a maximum depth of 527 meters (1,729 feet).

Fauna

The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is home to a rich variety of marine life, including:

  • Fish: Cod, Haddock, Halibut, Salmon, Herring, Mackerel, and Swordfish are just a few of the many species of fish found in the gulf.
  • Marine Mammals: The gulf is a popular habitat for a variety of marine mammals including seals, whales, and dolphins. The gulf is a major breeding ground for harp seals.
  • Birds: The gulf is a major migratory bird route, and is home to a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, terns, and gulls.
  • Invertebrates: The gulf is also home to a variety of invertebrates, such as lobster, crab, and shrimp.

Surrounding Countries

The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is surrounded by four Canadian provinces:

  • Nova Scotia
  • New Brunswick
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Quebec

Water Temperature

The water temperature in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence varies significantly throughout the year. In the summer, the surface water temperature can reach up to 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). In the winter, the surface water temperature can drop to below freezing. The temperature of the water is also influenced by the tides and the flow of the Saint Lawrence River.

Facts

  • The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is the largest gulf in the world.
  • The gulf is named after Saint Lawrence, a Christian deacon who was martyred in Rome in the 3rd century.
  • The gulf is home to a number of islands, including Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, and Anticosti Island.
  • The gulf is a major source of seafood for Canada.
  • The gulf is also a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to see the wildlife, the scenery, and the history of the region.