Although the Machias Seal Island Lighthouse is maintained by Canada, it is built on an island claimed by both the United States and Canada. The 20 acre island is located in the Gulf of Maine roughly 10 miles from Cutler, Maine and 12 miles from Grand Manan Island, the beacon guides ships into the ports of St. Andrews and Saint John, New Brunswick. Machias Seal Island is a barren island and devoid of trees, due to its location it is fog-bound for many days of the year. It is also a famous sanctuary for seabirds such as Atlantic puffins.