State of the Gulf of Maine Report
The Gulf of Maine is a dynamic, changing ecosystem. Bordered by the northeastern United States and the Canadian Maritime Provinces, the Gulf of Maine is one of the largest semi-enclosed coastal seas in North America. It is recognized as one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems with various marine and estuarine habitats, such as salt marshes, seagrass beds, tidal mud flats, underwater rocky outcrops, and kelp beds. Over 10 million people live in the Gulf of Maine watershed. Along its western and northern shores lie the cities and towns of coastal Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The Gulf has supported a long tradition of fishing, marine transportation, coastal development, and recreation, and continues to be a valuable resource for the people who live and work in the region.
Contents
The State of the Gulf of Maine Report includes a context document and a series of theme or issue papers developed incrementally from 2010 through 2016. These reports are provided for historical reference. The introduction provides an overview of the natural and socio-economic environment of the Gulf of Maine, while theme papers provide a more in-depth look at priority issues within the Gulf of Maine.
Introduction
- The Gulf of Maine in Context (PDF, 2.2 mb)
Aquatic Habitats
- Coastal Ecosystems and Habitats (PDF, 1.6 mb)
- Offshore Ecosystems and Habitats (PDF, 1.9 mb)
- Watershed Status (PDF, 2 mb)
Biodiversity
- Marine Invasive Species (PDF, 1.5 mb)
- Species at Risk (PDF, 1.4 mb)
Climate Change
- Climate Change and its Effects on Humans (PDF, 2.2 mb)
- Climate Change and its Effects on Ecosystems, Habitats and Biota (PDF, 1.5 mb)
Coastal Development
- Coastal Land Use and Development (PDF, 1.7 mb)
Contaminants
- Microbial Pathogens and Toxins (PDF, 1.2 mb)
- Toxic Chemical Contaminants (theme paper) (PDF, 1.3 mb)
- Toxic Chemical Contaminants Review (PDF, 1.6 mb)
Eutrophication
- Eutrophication (PDF, 1.85 mb)
Emerging Issues
- Emerging Issues (PDF, 1.3 mb)
Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Commercial Fisheries (PDF, 2.3 mb)
State of the Gulf of Maine Sponsors
The State of the Gulf of Maine Report was coordinated and funded by:
Additional funding and in-kind support was provided by:
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- USGS
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- Maine State Planning Office
- Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
- New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government
- Nova Scotia Department of Environment