MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN THE GULF OF MAINE

The Gulf of Maine is a remarkable marine ecosystem. With a watershed s tretching into Quebec and a water area bounded by Nova Scotia and Geor ges Bank, the Gulf of Maine is the central physical feature of norther n New England As an area where ecological zones overlap, the gulf host s a remarkable diversity of plant and animal species. Although the Gul f of Maine remains relatively unpolluted, it is its high biological pr oductivity and species diversity that make it well-known. This paper e xamines the mechanisms available to the states, provinces, and two fed eral governments to recognize marine areas of the Gulf of Maine as par ks or sanctuaries. It reviews the laws and programs in effect at the v arious levels of government and then summarizes the findings of the Un ited Nations Man and the Biosphere studies in the Gulf of Maine for bi osphere preserve designation.