Chapter 6; The North Atlantic Provinces and Northern New England

The North Atlantic Region vs. San Francisco

While the North Atlantic Region holds only two main opportunities economically, fishery and lumber. Both San Francisco and the North Atlantic are aesthetically beautiful, and thus present the opportunity for tourism. Tourism however, has become the largest portion of the North Atlantic economic base since the collapse of the fishery and lumber industries due to overfishing, climate change, pollution, mismanagement of resources, and the tragedy of the commons, "...seeking short-term profits while ignoring long-term sustainability in the Grand Banks fishery." (123, Mayda)

New England in Autumn (newenglandhamptoninns.com)

Similar Geography and Use of Fish Resources
Both San Francisco and the North Atlantic Provinces are close to the coast, and both locations have exploited watersheds. Both watersheds have become undermined by industrial and urban runoff. While New England's cod industry completely collapsed in 1992, San Francisco has managed to retain some portion of their commercial fishing industry. However, the fish populations of both areas is nowhere near that of their respective zeniths.

History's Effects on Demography & Settlement
The largely English, Irish, and Scottish settlement of New England contrasts greatly with the Spanish settlement of San Francisco. The Spanish were more concerned with gaining economic and religious outposts, while European colonists in New England intended to form permanent settlements, and were more suited for this as their cultural preadaptation allowed them to manage the land with the survival traits carried on from their homeland, since New England was similar to England in topography. Both groups, however, eventually drove out most of the native population. New Englanders vastly disrupted the hunting and gathering practices of the Micmacs with the new furs-for-food trade, leaving many destitute, dying of starvation, or ill due to introduction of diseases. Similarly, the reliance on the mission by native peoples in San Francisco caused many to retreat from native traditions and lifestyles, and eventually many died of diseases introduced by Europeans. New England colonists were less interested than the Spanish in the religious conversion process. Both groups changed the land they encountered forever.

(prairiehomeplace.blogspot.com)

Climate

The maritime influence affects both the North Atlantic and San Francisco. Both regions enjoy moderate regional temperatures, but, because of winds, the North Atlantic interior is often much colder than that of San Francisco. Thus, during winter, snowstorms are common in New England. The Gulf Stream-Labrador Current causes a meeting of cold and warm currents, much like in San Francisco, causing a similar foggy effect. The current in New England however, is known to cause intense "nor'easters".

Nor'easter blizzard over New England (www.pbs.org)

Economy
The economy of San Francisco is much more diversified, and less reliant on the primary sector. Though  the economy of New England has traditionally been supported by the primary industries of fishing, mining, and logging, today New Englanders must seek out more sustainable and long-term means of sustenance, such as tourism, which is the only thriving industry. San Francisco also attracts many tourists, but also has bustling financial, technological, medical research, and trade sectors.