TARANTO, GULF OF

Latin Sinus Tarentinus, Italian Golfo Di Taranto, arm, about 85 mi (140 km) long and wide, of the Ionian Sea in southern Italy. Lying between the Capes Santa Maria di Leuca (northeast) and Colonne (southwest), it forms the hollow in front of the heel of the Italian boot. Feeder streams include the Sinni, Agri, Basento, and Bradano. Main economic activities are the oyster and mussel industries and the exporting of wine, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. The gulf's chief ports are Crotone, Gallipoli, and Taranto.