abstract
The Prince Edward Island group is, according to altimetry and drifter information, located just to the west of an area with remarkably high surface current speeds, but low meso-scale variability. To establish what is presently known about the general oceanic environment of this island, results of a number of cruise Lines undertaken during the last ten years are discussed in detail. A summary of these results show the location of the island group relative to the most important oceanic fronts of the general area as well as the possible influence of meso-scale eddies with various origins on the surrounding ocean area.