North Rock facts for kids
| Disputed island | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Seals on North Rock | |
| Geography | |
| Location | border of the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine |
| Coordinates | 44°32′16″N 67°5′14″W / 44.53778°N 67.08722°W |
| Administered by | |
 Canada |
|
| Province | New Brunswick |
| Claimed by | |
| Canada |
|
| Province | New Brunswick |
 United States |
|
| State | Maine |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
North Rock (which is Roche North in French) is a small rock in the ocean. It is located near the edge of the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy. These waters are off the eastern coast of North America.
This rock is special because two countries disagree about who owns it. The Canadian province of New Brunswick and the U.S. state of Maine both claim it. This disagreement is part of a larger argument about the ocean border. It also involves Machias Seal Island, which is a bit south of North Rock. People often call this disputed area the "Grey Zone."
Contents
Understanding the Disputed Area
North Rock is a small piece of land in the ocean. It is not very big, but its location is important. It sits where the Gulf of Maine meets the Bay of Fundy. This area is known for its rich fishing grounds.
What is a Disputed Territory?
A disputed territory is a place that two or more countries or regions claim as their own. This means they both believe they have the right to control it. These disagreements can be about land, islands, or even parts of the ocean.
The "Grey Zone" Explained
The "Grey Zone" is a nickname for the area where North Rock is found. It means that the exact border between Canada and the United States is not clear here. Both countries have reasons for their claims. This makes it a "grey" area, not clearly black or white.
Why is North Rock Disputed?
The dispute over North Rock is linked to a bigger argument. This argument is about the maritime (ocean) boundary. It affects fishing rights and who controls the waters.
The Role of Machias Seal Island
North Rock is very close to Machias Seal Island. This island is also part of the border dispute. The arguments over these small landforms are connected. They help define where one country's waters end and another's begin.
Importance of Ocean Boundaries
Defining ocean boundaries is very important. It helps countries know where they can fish. It also shows who controls natural resources in the sea. Clear boundaries prevent arguments and help manage ocean life.
Life Around North Rock
Even though North Rock is small, it is a home for wildlife. Seals are often seen resting on the rock. This shows that even tiny islands can be important for nature.
Marine Animals in the Area
The waters around North Rock are full of marine life. The Bay of Fundy is known for its strong tides. These tides bring up lots of food from the ocean floor. This makes the area a great place for fish, seabirds, and marine mammals like seals.
See also
In Spanish: Roca North para niños
