Name and Location

Machias Seal Island Light (French: Phare de l’Île-Machias-Seal; Spanish: Faro de la Isla Machias Seal) is an active sea-light marking the approaches to the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine. It stands on Machias Seal Island, a small rocky outcrop roughly 19 km southeast of Grand Manan, New Brunswick (plus-code 87PJGV2X+Q7).

Coordinates:

44.5018903 N, –67.1018583 W

Map link:

https://www.google.com/maps?q=44.5018903,−67.1018583

Location:

• Machias Seal Island, disputed Canada/US offshore territory in the Gulf of Maine
• Province: New Brunswick, Canada (administered by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans)
• Nautical chart: US Chart 13392 (Approaches to Grand Manan and Machias Seal Island)

Construction and History

The first lit date is not recorded. The current tower was erected at an unknown time. There is no federal heritage designation listed; the structure appears in Canadian Coast Guard records. Keeper lore is not publicly available, and the island has long been staffed seasonally by Canadian lightkeepers.

Architecture and Materials

The tower shape is octagonal masonry. Markings include a white lower half and red upper half (horizontal band). Height (tower): 18.0 m (seamark height), Focal plane: 25.0 m above mean high water, Construction materials: painted masonry (stone or brick core).

Light and Navigation

Characteristic: Fl(1) W 3 s (one white flash every 3 s; light 0.3 s on, 2.7 s off). Range: 17 nmi. Light colour: white. Exhibits: night only; no fog signal listed. Seamark ref (light): US000405270604514 (NOAA ENC US4ME50M, source date 1996-05-04).

Accessibility and Visiting

Access: landing by private boat only (no scheduled ferry service); the island is designated a bird sanctuary—visitors generally not permitted ashore without special permit. Automation: likely automated since the late 20th century (no resident keepers). Visiting hours: not open to the public. Guided tours: none available; wildlife research permitted by licence only.

Notable Views and Landscape

Technical and Operational Details

Further Information

• NOAA Electronic Navigation Chart US4ME50M (Approach)
• NGS datasheet PD0953 (“source: position”)
• Wikidata Q21030715
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machias_Seal_Island_Light