Gulf of Mexico

ocean · Atlantic · North America · marine ecosystems

Huge ocean basin. The Gulf of Mexico is a giant body of water that's mostly surrounded by land. It's part of the Atlantic Ocean and sits between the United States to the north, Mexico to the southwest, and Cuba to the southeast.

Shaped by continents. The gulf is bounded by six Mexican states on its southwestern and southern shores: Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. The U.S. Gulf Coast stretches along its northeast, north, and northwest sides.

Home to fish. The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most productive fishing areas in North America, with countless species of fish, shrimp, and other sea creatures living in its waters.

Major shipping route. Huge cargo ships and oil tankers travel through the gulf constantly, making it one of the busiest waterways in the world for international trade.