- Gulf of Paria
The Gulf of Paria (Golfo de Paria in Spanish) is a 7800 km2 (3000 square mile) shallow inland sea between the island of
Trinidad (Republic ofTrinidad and Tobago ) and the east coast ofVenezuela . This sheltered body of water is considered to be one of the best natural harbours on theAtlantic coast of theAmericas . It was originally named Golfo de la Ballena (the Gulf of the Whale) byChristopher Columbus , but the 19th Centurywhaling industry eliminated whales from the area and populations have never recovered.The Gulf of Paria is connected to the
Caribbean Sea to the north through theBocas del Dragón (or Dragons' Mouth) between theParia Peninsula of Venezuela and theChaguaramas Peninsula , and to theColumbus Channel to the south through theBoca del Serpiente (Serpent's Mouth) between the Cedros Peninsula and theOrinoco Delta.The Gulf of Paria is a brackish water body -
wet season salinities are below 23 ppt (parts per thousand). The extensivemangrove s along the Venezuelan and Trinidadian coastlines are important wildlife habitat and probably play a crucial role in regional fisheries. The Gulf itself is an important fishery. Major ports include the Port ofPort of Spain and the Port ofPoint Lisas in Trinidad and the Port of Pedernales in Venezuela.References
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* [http://www.ig.utexas.edu/research/projects/caribbean/publications/babb/babb.htm Tectonics and Sedimentation of the Gulf of Paria]
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