Summary
A Canadian senator is urging the government to affirm its sovereignty over Machias Seal Island, which is the only disputed land between Canada and the U.S. This issue arose after a U.S. tour company described the island as part of Maine. The island is managed by the Canadian Coast Guard and serves as a bird sanctuary.
Key Facts
- Machias Seal Island is located in a disputed area between the U.S. state of Maine and the Canadian province of New Brunswick.
- Canada built a lighthouse on the island in 1832, and the Canadian Coast Guard operates it.
- The island is uninhabited, except for a rotating crew of Canadian Coast Guard members.
- It is an important seabird sanctuary, including a large colony of Atlantic puffins.
- U.S. and Canadian tour groups are permitted to visit the island.
- A U.S. tour group's website described the island as being on the Maine Coast, causing controversy.
- Canada and the U.S. both claim Machias Seal Island, though a 1984 court ruling allows both countries to fish in its waters.
- Senator Jim Quinn from Canada is pushing for Ottawa to reassert Canada's claim to the island.
