Machias Seal Island, a small uninhabited island in a disputed maritime zone between Canada and the U.S., is again drawing attention after a Canadian senator urged Ottawa to reinforce its claim over the territory.
Senator Jim Quinn of New Brunswick criticised a U.S. tourism company, Bold Coast Charter, for describing the island as part of Maine on its website. He has called on Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which manages permits for the island, to reconsider allowing the American operator and to review the company’s presence on a Canadian government site.
Located in the “Grey Zone” between Maine and New Brunswick, the rugged island serves as a vital sanctuary for seabirds, including one of the southernmost colonies of Atlantic puffins. It has no permanent inhabitants aside from rotating Canadian Coast Guard personnel who maintain a lighthouse built in 1832.
The sovereignty dispute remains unresolved despite a 1984 international ruling dividing fishing rights in the area. Both countries continue to operate there, but Canada has accused the U.S. of unfair tariffs on the local lobster industry. Tensions increased during Donald Trump’s presidency with new trade barriers and contentious remarks about Canada.
Quinn said, “That’s unacceptable in this day and age, especially with where we are with our neighbours to the south,” stressing the urgency to protect this overlooked border point.
Currently, Canadian firm SeaWatch Tours and the U.S.-based Bold Coast Charter have official approval for visits. Bold Coast cites authorisation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reflecting ongoing jurisdictional challenges.