mining map

TNC

Remote Headwaters Salmon Discovery The Conservancy is investing in salmon ecosystem science in Bristol Bay.

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Read about Bristol Bay salmon in Nature Conservancy magazine

TNC

Bristol Bay Salmon Science

southwest Alaska field crew

Remote headwaters of the Nushagak-Mulchatna and Kvichak rivers are vital salmon habitat. The Nature Conservancy is investing in the science necessary  to ensure this habitat is protected as development pressures increase.

Map: Field Survey Results

A 2008 Conservancy salmon ecosystem study of the Nushagak-Mulchatna and Kvichak river headwaters resulted in the nomination of 28 miles of additional stream segments to the state's inventory.

Bibliographies

View annotated bibliographies of scientific literature on the effects of heavy metals on wild salmon.

A large-scale copper and gold mine proposed for Alaska's Bristol Bay 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.

Impacts of Exploration

Impacts of Exploration on Water Chemistry and Adequacy of Baseline Water Characterization at the Pebble Prospect 1988-2008
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

Status of Wild Salmon in Bristol Bay

2007 Bristol Bay Area Annual Management Report
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

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

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Dustin Solberg (map); Photo © Bridget Besaw/TNC (field crew).