Sydney Bight

Sydney Bight lies off the northeastern shore of Cape Breton, where Sydney Harbour opens toward the Atlantic and the approaches to Cabot Strait. Tidal upwelling along branches of the Laurentian Channel brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting fish and whales. Farther along the coast, the French established Louisbourg as a base for the cod fishery after 1713. Fish were salted and dried on stages beside its harbour before being carried to markets across the sea.