The correct answer is a tiny island called Machaias Seal, located between the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy. For more than a hundred years, the island has been the subject of a low-intensity territorial dispute between the United States and Canada, and so far no consensus has been found on this issue.
Back in 1984, America and Canada outlined their claims regarding the boundaries in the Gulf of Maine to the International Hague Court, but for some reason the island of Machaias Seal was not listed as the subject of the dispute.
It's probably all about its small size. I'm kidding, of course... But this is surprising, because it is precisely because of Machaias-Sil that countries cannot come to a common denominator and finally determine which of them belongs to this territory.
By the way, first Great Britain, and then Canada, were extremely interested in the island remaining in their possession. Basically, they were very worried about the constant occupation of the lighthouse. America flatly refused to recognize Canadian rights to this land (about 19.8 acres or 8 hectares).
Moreover, in 1918, however, by agreement with the Canadian government, US Marine units were stationed on the island in order to ensure the safety of the passage of ships and repel possible attacks by German submarines on ships in the Bay of Fundy. However, all units were withdrawn from the island just a few months later, and since then, US citizens have not stayed on this land for long. Although several times residents of Maine, as well as residents of Canada, submitted their applications to purchase land there, these applications never yielded anything.
The fact is that since 1944, Macias Seal Island has been protected as the Machias Seal Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary (a wildlife and seabird sanctuary) managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service. Canada considers this land to be entirely owned by the federal government. The island has long been included in federal and provincial electoral districts. Law enforcement on its territory is carried out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and in its waters by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. In general, as you can see, everything is serious.
On the one hand, it may seem that there is no problem, and if the United States, roughly speaking, does not use the island, and Canada, on the contrary, is doing everything possible to prove its belonging to Machaias Seal, it would be more correct to confirm Canada’s rights to own the island. But not everything is so simple... To be completely frank, the USA and Canada themselves created a controversial situation, and now they cannot get out of it.
At one time, and I already spoke about this at the very beginning, both countries avoided the decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague on the sovereignty of the island of Machaias Seal and agreed to have a common starting point for the maritime boundary to the southwest of the island. But as a result of such an agreement, Machaias-Sil found himself in the so-called “gray zone” - an area that does not have clear legal boundaries. Simply put, it is unclear whether this area belongs to the United States or Canada.
In general, this “gray zone” is a 72 km gap between Canada and the United States, which was defined back in 1977. Rules and rights in the gray area, such as lobster fishing, should be regulated by one country or another, but due to the fact that Canada and the United States have not agreed, there are essentially two different laws in this area. The island and all available resources are controlled by two countries at once and, of course, this leads to conflicts.
For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans regulates lobster fisheries in Canada, but fisheries in the United States are regulated by both the federal and state governments. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission administers the federal zone 4.8 km and 200 miles off Maine, and the state government controls the area within 4.8 km offshore. In general, you understand what confusion is going on and how difficult it is for fishermen! You always need to remember what kilometer you are on!
The gray zone boundary has led to a fishing dispute between Canadian and American lobstermen that dates back to August 2002, when climate change began pushing lobster migration into the area. In the disputed territory, Canadian and American fishermen were fishing for a valuable marine resource, but it was extremely difficult for them due to the lack of clear rules for both sides. Each country believed that the other was taking what was considered their property.
As a result, everyone was dissatisfied, and especially the fishermen, since their conflicts to defend their rightness sometimes acquired very unpleasant features, including the destruction of each other’s property and threats of harm. When comrades “from above” cannot agree, it is usually ordinary people who suffer...
This song is good, start over! Canadians advocated closing the summer season to all fishermen to allow the lobster population a chance to reproduce. The Americans, in turn, spoke in favor of a maximum limit on the catch. Canadian fisheries noticed a decline in their catch due to American fishing efforts during the Canadian off-season and responded by allowing their fishermen to work during the same period of time.
The conflict over the “gray zone” escalated to its maximum when both countries’ catches dropped significantly, as did the lobster population. And this could not be allowed... It was important to preserve the lobster population, but the governing bodies of Canada and the United States had different opinions on this matter and again it was not possible to reach an agreement. The unwillingness to cooperate and meet each other halfway has literally perpetuated the conflict between the United States and Canada.
How are things going with Machaias-Sil now? Without much change, to be honest. All lighthouses in Eastern Canada, except the one located on the island, are not serviced. True, the keeper no longer lives there, since the lighthouse has become automated. Global Affairs Canada is currently covering the cost of the Canadian Coast Guard's maintenance of the lighthouse on Machaias Seal Island "for sovereignty purposes."
In general, the situation has not changed and is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Neither the US nor Canada are willing to concede in this territorial dispute. Therefore, as they say, let's wait - time will judge everyone...