The North Atlantic coast of North America-commonly known as the Atlantic Coast-extends from Newfoundland and Labrador through the Maritime Provinces and the Northeastern United States south to Cape Hatteras. This North Atlantic region belongs to the sea. The maritime influence on climate, flora, and fauna is dominant - even far inland. Both on land and at sea, this region is where north meets south, where the great northern boreal forests intermingle with the southern coniferous-hardwood forests, and where the icy Labrador Current and the tropical Gulf Stream vie for supremacy and eventually mix. The Atlantic Coast draws upon the best and most up-to-date science on the ecology of the region as well as the author's lifetime experience as a resident, biologist, and naturalist. The book explores the geological origins of the region, the two major forest realms, and the main freshwater and marine ecosystems, and describes the flora and fauna that characterize each habitat. It ends with a look at what has been lost and how the remaining natural heritage of the region might be conserved for the future.

Preface 11 The Atlantic Realm 7Where North Meets South2 Oceans and Mountains 39The Geology and Paleontology of the Atlantic Coast3 The Atlantic Hinterland 77Forests of the Atlantic Coast4 Between the Capes 117The Mid-Atlantic Bight5 Tides of Life 153The Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy6 River into the Sea 199The Gulf of St. Lawrence7 Great Currents and Grand Banks 235Newfoundland and Labrador8 The Altered Realm 277The Once and Future AtlanticPhotographer's Acknowledgments 304Further Reading 305Scientific Names 311Index 36Panel of expert reviewers:Dr. Graham DabornFounderAcadia Centre for Estuarine ResearchAcadia University,Wolfville, Nova ScotiaDr. David GarbaryProfessor of Biology and Co-ordinator--Interdisciplinary Studies in Aquatic ResourcesSt. Francis Xavier UniversityAntigonish, Nova ScotiaBrian Harrington, Senior Shorebird BiologistManomet Center for Conservation SciencesManomet, MassachusettsDr. Peter LarsenSenior Research ScientistBigelow Laboratory for Ocean SciencesWest Boothbay Harbor, MaineDr. Donald F. McAlpineChair, Department of Natural ScienceHead, Zoology SectionNew Brunswick Museum Saint John, N.B.Dr. Paul E. OlsenArthur D. Storke Memorial Professor of Earth and Environmental SciencesLamont Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia UniversityPalisades, New YorkDr. George RoseHead, Fisheries Conservation,Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland,St. John's, NewfoundlandDr. Boris WormAssistant Professor& Head, The Worm Lab for Marine Conservation,Department of BiologyDalhousie UniversityHalifax, Nova Scotia