About the Council
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment was established in 1989 by the governments of Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire and Nova Scotia to provide an international forum for promoting a sustainable Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Through this unique Canadian-American collaboration of government and non-government entities, partners work together to maintain the rich cultural heritage, economic resources, and unique natural habitats that make up the Gulf of Maine.
Our Mission and Work
The Gulf of Maine Council’s mission is to maintain and enhance environmental quality in the Gulf of Maine to allow for sustainable resource use by existing and future generations. Every five years, the Council renews its commitment to working in partnership toward a healthy Gulf of Maine ecosystem. With its latest 2023-2028 GOMC Framework for Action, the Council set forth its shared vision for sustaining a healthy Gulf of Maine for future generations.
The Gulf of Maine Council is uniquely positioned to advance environmental issues that benefit from regional collaboration between Canada and the United States by serving as a forum for sharing information, tools, innovative strategies, and lessons learned across jurisdictions. By leveraging regional expertise and convening international forums, initiatives, and learning opportunities, the Council promotes shared understanding and collaborative solutions to the Gulf of Maine’s most pressing environmental challenges while accelerating stewardship of the region’s natural resources.
The Gulf of Maine Council’s role as a leader for transboundary collaboration is even more important today as communities strive to adapt to warming waters, altered ocean chemistry, sea level rise, unpredictable coastal storms, and increasing demand for resource use. Emerging issues present shifting challenges and opportunities for the region’s five jurisdictions to work together to ensure sustainable outcomes for the Gulf of Maine ecosystem.
Guiding Principles
Four principles guide the Council and participating agencies in their decisions involving the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. These principles are congruent with international protocols, as well as state, provincial, and national legislation in Canada and the United States.
- Ecologically sustainable development
The Council seeks to meet the region’s current social, cultural, and environmental needs without compromising the needs of future generations. Working in partnership with others, it strives to sustain ecological processes and enhance the region’s quality of life. - Ecosystem-based planning and management
The Council supports collaborative management that integrates economic, social, and ecological values and objectives, emphasizing natural rather than political boundaries. - Environmental protection through precaution
The Council supports conservation of the coastal and marine environment, and urges its members to proceed with caution to avoid environmental degradation. - Public information and participation
The Council is committed to a participatory process that informs and engages the public in setting priorities.
Leadership and Organization
Gulf of Maine Council Secretariat provides leadership and coordination for Council activities. The Secretariat rotates among the five jurisdictions (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts) every two years. Council and Working Group members represent government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and Tribes.