1. + Building our sense of place in the Gulf of Maine Watershed

2. + Nationwide watersheds… http://edna.usgs.gov/watersheds/kml_index.htm

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6. + Land Area in Gulf of Maine Watershed Gulf of Maine Watershed - Land Area Province or State Square Miles Square kilometers % of Province or State Maine33,21586,027100 New Brunswick15,75040,79256 Nova Scotia7,55019,55536 New Hampshire 6,50016,83570 Massachusetts3,4008,80641 Quebec2,7006,9930.45 Total69,115177,008

7. + The Gulf of Maine is a semi-enclosed sea bounded to the south and east by underwater banks. These contours were shaped by glaciers 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. Under the waters of the Gulf of Maine, valleys plunge to depths of 1,500 feet (500 meters) and mountains thrust up from the depths 800 feet (266 meters), almost reaching the surface.

8. + Importance of the Gulf of Maine The abundance of fish in the Gulf sustained Native Americans and attracted the first European settlers. Today, fishing supports about 20,000 fishermen who harvest 530,000 metric tons of shellfish and finfish worth about $650 million. Over 10 million tourists visit the Gulf of Maine each year to enjoy the beauty of the coast, as well as its natural and cultural history and recreational opportunities. Since the 1800s shipping has been an important use of the Gulf. Today petroleum products are the primary cargo. People love the Gulf, recognize its value and are trying to sustain its environmental quality. Individuals and teams from organizations, institutions and government are working daily to better understand the complex nature of the Gulf of Maine. Some of the many on-going efforts include: Collaborative research projects that bring fishermen and scientists together to study the Gulf. These teams combine the knowledge, techniques and resources of the scientist with the experience and wisdom of the fisherman. Extensive volunteer activities around the Gulf that range from the routine monitoring of changes in water quality and coastal habitats to the acquisition of significant coastal habitats for long term protection.

9. + Ocean Observing System Gulf of Maine http://www.neracoos.org/

10. + Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary