The tiny islands where Canada and America are at war

Let the resident puffins decide who to be governed by

-J.

This is actually an interesting story. The Treaty of Paris did a poor job of defining the boundary.There was talk of all islands within 20 leagues of the U.S. being American, except those islands that are now within the boundaries of Nova Scotia. Jays Treaty and The Treaty of Ghent, likewise did not mention Machias Seal Island. The fact that Britain, and now Canada has maintained a lighthouse on the island since 1832, could go a long ways in deciding the matter. Its the only manned lighthouse in eastern Canada today. Its funny that both the lobstermen from Maine and New Brunswick protest the "outsiders " from Nova Scotia fishing in the waters.

I can't believe that both countries chose not to have the status of these islands decided by the ICJ in 1984. I say if Canada wants to spend their hard earned money to maintain a coast gaurd station, and have the Canadian Wildlife Service maintain the island, let them have it. Don't waste money making lawyers rich, just sign it away. I would like to see a fishing free zone set up around the island. Leave the island for the birds, and bird watchers.

Some places like New Zealand have found that setting up fish sanctuaries where fishing is banned actually result in higher fish numbers in the areas around the sanctuary. Win - Win!

Possession being the proverbial 9/10s of the law I'd say these are Canadian islands and Canadian waters. Case closed.