In March 1989 the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef north 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 a disruption to the area's ecology. After many years of litigation, 450 million dollars were awarded for compensatory and punitive damages.
In March 1989 the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef north of Cord.ova 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 a disruption to the area's ecology. After many years of litigation 450 million dollars were awarded for compensatory and punitive damages.