We recently had the pleasure of crossing the Gulf of Maine in Alembic with a friend Sarah, an experienced biologist. Sarah kept us alert to wildlife sightings and also shared a number of interesting facts about this unique body of water. The Gulf of Maine is about 36000 square miles bounded to north by Nova Scotia and to the south by Cape Cod. There are several significant banks in the Gulf including Georges Bank and Stellwagen Bank. The Gulf of Maine is home to over 3000 marine species and countless species of birds (Sarah’s specialty). One special aspect of the Gulf’s banks that draws attention is the frequency of whale sightings. We were not to be disappointed!
In Sarah’s words, the Gulf of Maine is a happening place. Marine creatures and wildlife are drawn to the Gulf of Maine because of the cool waters stirred by the warm Gulf Stream from the south and cool Labrador Current from the north. These currents transport an abundance of marine life from the top to the bottom of the food chain. Giant Humpback whales feed on tiny plankton, krill and tiny fish. Numerous fish species from large sharks and ocean sunfish to smaller haddock and herring abound.
Birds including shearwaters, gulls, and terns are ever-present. Many of these bird species nest in the summer on the offshore rocky islands off the Maine coast. For the rest of the year they remain in open ocean habitats migrating thousands of miles. Sarah explained that new technology enables biologists to attach tiny satellite transmitters to migratory birds providing new data on the traveling habits of these special creatures. A common tern can migrate hundreds of miles in a few short days reaching speeds of 30 MPH!
Our favorite sightings of the trip included an ocean sunfish. These giant fish weigh thousands of pounds and wallow on the surface showing a single shark like dorsal fin that flops from side to side. We spotted, countless numbers of shearwaters, terns, and gulls. Sarah gave a running description of each species and her favorite characteristics about each of these cherished creatures. Finally, for marine mammals we saw porpoise, seals, and best of all WHALES! For at least an hour crossing Stellwagen bank we saw countless spouts, fins, backs, and tails. And best of all, while all three of us were watching one particular spot on the horizon a humpback breached completely out of the water. We were able to see the entire body airborne for a split second before crashing into the water with an explosion of spray!
The Gulf of Maine is truly a unique place that many people take for granted. It is also a place experiencing rapid change. The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of all other ocean waters. Traditional species like Cod and Haddock are retreating north to cooler environments. Lobster are still abundant but researchers forecast that lobster will migrate away from warming inshore waters and move to deeper habitats or to colder climates to the north. Other species like squid and new crab species will become more abundant. Hopefully, in spite of all this change, the Gulf of Maine will remain a thriving marine ecosystem. Only time will tell. Enjoy it now while you still can!