One of the Council’s most popular and longest-running projects just got an upgrade to audiobook format. Why listening is important after a disaster Human-caused disasters, such as oil spills, affect communities differently than natural disasters, such as earthquakes. After the Exxon Valdez oil spill, many Alaskans suffered devastating mental health effects that lingered for years. … Read more
On March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on a charted rock, Bligh Reef, in Prince William Sound (opens in Google maps). The grounding occurred after the vessel left the designated tanker lanes (opens in Google maps) to avoid icebergs reported to be in the area. The spill was estimated to be … Read more
On board most commercial shipping vessels, captains, crews, and local pilots hail from across the world. The use of multiple languages means communicating important information can be difficult. New research may be able to help. Since the 1970s, the shipping industry has made efforts to develop a simplified common language that would allow crew members … Read more
Hundreds of fishing vessels will remain a vital part of Alyeska’s oil spill response program, thanks to the passage of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. The bill was signed into law on December 18, 2025. The language that preserves this important aspect of oil spill prevention and response in Alaska can be … Read more