Drift Bottle Observations in Northumberland Strait, Gulf of St. Lawrence

Abstract

Drift bottles have been released at fixed stations and during cruises in Northumberland Strait from 1960 to 1963. From the 2741 releases, there have been 1213 recoveries before the winter seasons. The overall high percentage recovery (44%) and the large number of returns not far from the point of release and within a short time after releases are featured.The drift bottle recoveries suggest a surface non-tidal drift through Northumberland Strait from the northwest and west to the southeast and east. An outward drift into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, along the northwest coast of Prince Edward Island is inferred.The speeds of the drift were generally greater than 3 miles a day on the average. They reached 5 miles a day (0.2 knot).