In March 1989 the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef northwest of Cordova causing one of the most devastating environmental disasters in North America . The Exxon Valdez oil spill severely affected the area 's salmon and herring populations leading to a recession of the local fishing-reliant economy as well as disrupting the general ecology of the area . After many years of litigation , 450 million dollars were awarded for compensatory and punitive damages
Exxon Valdez oil spill
Exxon Valdez oil spill
Cordova, Alaska