New council report: Port of Valdez shrimp found generally safe for consumption

Prince William Sound Shrimp A new report on the effects of small amounts of hydrocarbons on Port Valdez shrimp is now available. The report was approved by the board of directors during the May board meeting. News release: Are shrimp caught in Port Valdez contaminated by Alaska North Slope crude oil? The council recently worked with scientists at the National Auke Bay Lab in Juneau to answer that question. The terminal’s treatment cleans most…

Onboard ballast water systems helping reduce spread of invasive species

Systems that treat tanker ballast water before release are a critical step in preventing damage from invasive species Invasive European green crab, or Carcinus maenus, were first spotted in Southeast Alaska in 2022. These invaders can be identified by counting the spines and bumps along the front edge of the carapace (shell). There are three rostral bumps in the middle, with one eye bump on the outside of the rostral bumps, followed by five…

Council study reviews escort tug technology

By ALAN SORUM Council Project Manager This vessel, the Tan’erliq, is an “enhanced tractor tug,” or ETT. A recent council study found that the escort tugs being used in Prince William Sound, though exceedingly capable, no longer represent the best technology being used for these types of applications and services worldwide. Loaded oil tankers transiting the waters of Prince William Sound are required by federal law and their…

Study evaluates places of refuge

By Alan Sorum Council Project Manager Some locations won’t work for Prince William Sound tankers A recent Council-sponsored study reviewed eight “potential places of refuge,” or PPOR, which are locations where an oil tanker in distress can anchor and take action to stabilize its condition. Of the eight reviewed in the study, none were found to be safe for use by tankers. However, several safe alternates were identified, analyzed, and proposed…

Skip to content