The Governments of Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, Nova Scotia, as Parties to this Agreement; and

Considering that the shoreline, seabed, waters, and associated natural resources of the Gulf of Maine region, including Georges Bank and the Bay of Fundy, constitute precious public natural resources shared by the contiguous States and Provinces; and

Considering that the natural resources of the Gulf of Maine are interconnected and form part of an overall ecosystem that transcends political boundaries; and

Considering that the sustainable development and use of these resources for recreational and aesthetic enjoyment activities, as well as fish and wildlife habitat, are dependent on the ecological integrity of the Gulf ecosystem; and

Considering that the planning and management of human activities which may affect the Gulf ecosystem should recognize and be based upon an understanding of the system's integrity; and

Considering that the Parties to this agreement recognize a shared duty to protect and conserve the renewable and non-renewable resources of the Gulf for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of all their citizens, including generations yet to come; and

Considering that the most effective means of protecting, conserving, and managing the region's resources is through the cooperative pursuit of consistent policies, initiatives, and programs; and

Considering that studies conducted by National, State, and Provincial governments and other agencies have found that, without prudent management, the future development and use of the Gulf resources may have significant adverse impacts on the environment, economy, and general welfare of the Parties and have agreed to the following:

1. The Parties agree to establish a Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment to discuss and act upon environmental issues of common concern including but not limited to:

• the protection and conservation of the ecological balance within the Gulf of Maine ecosystem;
• the problem of marine debris and medical waste;
• the relationship between land use and the marine environment;
• the sustainable use of resources within the Gulf of Maine;
• cooperative programs to better protect and conserve the Gulf's natural resources.

2. The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment will be composed of three representatives from each of the Gulf of Maine States and Provinces to be appointed by their respective Governors and Premiers within sixty days of the effective date of this Agreement.

3. The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment will produce its first annual report on environmental trends and conditions including specific recommendations on a Gulf of Maine Action Plan within fifteen months of its appointment.

4. The Parties agree to minimize actions that would result in degradation of environmental quality or depletion of resources that individually or cumulatively could result in significant adverse impacts on resources leading to loss of sustainable use or environmental viability.

5. The Parties agree to design and develop a coordinated monitoring program to provide improved information for future decisions concerning the Gulf

6. The Parties agree that the successful conservation of Gulf resources will require the development of additional agreements or protocols on specific issues or concerns that may be raised from time to time.

SIGNATURES:

Honorable John R. McKernan, Jr.
Governor, Maine

Honorable Judd Gregg
Governor, New Hampshire

Honorable William F. Weld
Governor, Massachusetts

Honourable Donald W. Cameron
Premier, Nova Scotia

Honourable Frank McKenna
Premier, New Brunswick