The Gulf of Alaska : physical environment and biological resources /

Abstract

The Gulf of Alaska (GOA) is a large (336,000 km2) and productive ecosystem, but is showing increasing signs of being influenced by global-scale events, including global warming and contamination. The natural beauty of the rugged coastline, the vast wilderness, and the pristine waters still represent an ecosystem that is clean and pure. Government agencies, both State of Alaska and federal, have been mostly successful in managing the GOA's resources. These organizations are attempting to apply an ecosystem management approach to protecting and utilizing the resources found in this northern ecosystem. However, ecosystem management requires a baseline of understanding of the natural history of the species that ply these waters, and little information exists. Research associated with the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and with the University of Alaska and resource management agencies has advanced the understanding of this region tremendously, but much more needs to be done.