INTRODUCTON

Prince William Sound, Alaska is one of the most beautiful places of marine environment in the world. Located on the south-central coast of Alaska, about 50 miles southeast of Anchorage, it covers approximately 15,000 square miles. There are numerous islands, bays and fjords with deep low salinity ocean water from the Alaskan Gulf that continually bathe the beaches of the Sound with 15-35 feet waves.

The currents flow into the Sound throughout the Hinchinbrook entrance and move in a counter clockwise direction through the Sound, exiting through Montague Strait, leaving behind an arrangement of existence undisturbed by human hands. The command for order begins with the larger animals roaming the tranquil shore lines and extends to the smallest fish fighting for its survival in the cold emerald waters. Each inhabitant exists, fulfilling its birth right as predator or prey within the natural laws of life. Native Alaskans live in the small villages along the shore lines of the Sound, and have easy access to the ocean for which they rely on mostly for their subsistence. Three large fishing communities are located along the coastline of Prince William Sound. Cordova to the southeast is accessible only by water or air. Travel to Whittier, was accessible only by water, air or the Alaskan Railroad. Valdez is northeast where travel is by boat, plane, train, and road vehicles. To a large extent, most communities rely on the natural resources provided by the surrounding waters for their livelihood. The sound was a place where all inhabitants of life existed together in harmony, until March 24, 1989. The dreadful event that occurred on Good Friday brought an end to a once pure and unspoiled wilderness.

E-mail: msavage12@cox.net