Intro+703

__**Setting the Stage**__

The Gulf of Maine: Background Information

Over 5 million people live around the Gulf of Maine and are helped by it. The Gulf of Maine is located on the coast of North America, where the United States meets Canada. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine are all part of the coast. Fishes such as cod, haddock, halibut, Pollock, mackerel, and herring can be caught in the Gulf of Maine. The Gulf of Maine has a massive impact on the climate. The water moves in a slow circle within the Gulf of Maine.

The Gulf of Maine has a rocky sea floor and dry land surrounding it. The Gulf of Maine is cut off in a way from the rest of the Atlantic Ocean. There is also a wide opening between the tip of Nova Scotia and Cape Cod. There is a barrier slowing the water. Within the Gulf of Maine the water moves in a slow, big circle. It heads south along the coast, and then north off the shore. Because of this the water and anything within the water has to be kept in the Gulf of Maine much longer than normal.

Issues of the Gulf of Maine

The Gulf of Maine’s environmental issues are causing it to lose productivity and healthiness. In the Gulf of Maine, animals and their habitats are being destroyed. Many species of fish and birds are declining in numbers. Many costal habitats have been damaged or destroyed. Also, the beaches have shown us evidence of polluted water. It has caused the beaches to become unhealthy. Trash has washed up them.The water is making them unpleasant and dangerous. Also, specific areas are off-limits to fisherman because the clams and mussels are not safe to eat. Because of these already existent issues with the water in the Gulf of Maine, The town of Basgo must be sure not to contribute to the damage. The town could also try to help the critical problem.

The Water Cycle in the Gulf of Maine

When the water in the Gulf of Maine evaporates, starting its first stage in the cycle, everything in the water is left behind and the evaporated water gets purified. When it rains, the water passes over air and the land, picking up chemicals and particles. The water carries these into the Gulf of Maine. The town of Basgo must consider the water cycle. It must acknowledge that the water will carry any pollutants on the land into the ocean.