The Canadian-American Dispute Over Dixon Entrance

The body of water between the southern tip of Alaska\u27s panhandle and British Columbia\u27s Queen Charlotte islands, known as Dixon Entrance, is one of four external maritime boundaries between the United States and Canada. This particular boundary has been an area of dispute ever since it was established and settlement does not appear to be imminent. yet, this dispute continues to create poor management of fish stocks, trade disruption, feelings of frustration among fishermen of both nations, and in general, it remains a thorn in the side of United States-Canadian relations. In this paper I intend to review the history behind the disputed area, the issues involved, the positions of each nation, and the applicable international law. I will examine the various options available to the United States and Canada. I will then place myself in the unenviable position of arbiter and propose a solution to this long lasting boundary dispute