The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Southwest Alaska field crew searches for research reports, findings and analyses. © Bridget Besaw

The Nature Conservancy seeks to understand the level of risk posed by proposed large-scale mining in the Nushagak and Kvichak headwaters.

A large-scale copper and gold mine proposed for Alaska's Bristol Bay headwaters warrants a thoughtful risk analysis. The scientific community has addressed issues associated with large-scale mines, such as acid mine drainage, the effects of heavy metals such as copper on wild salmon and the status of water reservations in Alaska.

Baseline Studies

Fish Surveys in Headwater Streams of the Nushagak and Kvichak River Drainages, Bristol Bay, Alaska, 2008-2010
Source: The Nature Conservancy

Maps: Bristol Bay Salmon Inventories: 2008-2010
Source: The Nature Conservancy

Ecological Risk Assessment - Literature Review

A Literature Review of Effects of Cadmium on Fish
Source: The Nature Conservancy

A Literature Review of Effects of Ammonia on Fish
Source: The Nature Conservancy

Annotated Bibliography: Effects of Cadmium on Fish
Source: The Nature Conservancy

Annotated Bibliography: Effects of Copper on Fish
Source: The Nature Conservancy

Annotated Bibliography: Effects of Zinc on Fish
Source: The Nature Conservancy

Ecological Risk Assessment - Synthesis

A Preliminary Framework for Assessment of Ecological Risk to Wild Salmon from Large-scale Mining in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Source: The Nature Conservancy

Acid Mine Drainage

Acid Mine Drainage and Effects on Fish Health and Ecology: A Review
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Acute Toxicity of an Acid Mine Drainage Mixing Zone to Juvenile Bluegill and Largemouth Bass
Source: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society

Acid Mine Drainage Prediction
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Effects of Metals on Fish

An Overview of Sensory Effects on Juvenile Salmonids Exposed to Dissolved Copper: Applying a Benchmark Concentration Approach to Evaluate Sublethal Neurobehavioral Toxicity
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Water Reservations

Instream Flow and Lake Level (Reservation of Water) Protection Report
Source: The Nature Conservancy

Fact Sheet: Kaskanak Creek

Fact Sheet: Lower Talarik Creek

Fact Sheet: Mulchatna River

Fact Sheet: Stuyahok River

Status of Wild Salmon in Bristol Bay

2012 Bristol Bay Salmon Season Summary
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

2011 Bristol Bay Salmon Season Summary
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

2010 Bristol Bay Salmon Season Summary
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

2009 Bristol Bay Salmon Season Summary
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

2008 Bristol Bay Salmon Season Summary
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

2007 Bristol Bay Salmon Season Summary
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game