Gulf of Alaska mariners have new coastal guide

June 1, 2015

Photo by Terry Johnson. Mount St. Elias, North America's fourth-highest peak, rises above Rurik Cove in Khantaak Island on the coastline of the eastern Gulf of Alaska.

Alaska Sea Grant has created a new online guide for mariners who plan to navigate their boats across the Gulf of Alaska.

Terry Johnson, Alaska Sea Grant marine recreation and tourism specialist, wrote "Gulf of Alaska Coastal Travel Routes" after traveling, researching and documenting the formidable coast from west of Glacier Bay to Seward, Alaska.

In the eastern and central Gulf of Alaska, vessel traffic is sparse, communities are few and exposure to the North Pacific is challenging. The guide provides suggestions for navigating, anchoring, handling typical weather conditions and more.

The website also includes a map, photos, location information and basic safety tips.

The guide is appropriate for adventurers, fishermen, sailors and recreational boaters. “It is a spectacular trip in good weather, with opportunities to experience the scenery, the solitude, geology, human history, wildlife and excellent angling,” said Johnson.

To peruse the guide, please go to http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/recreation/gulf-of-alaska-coastal-travel/index.php.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Terry Johnson, 907-274-9695, tljohnson@alaska.edu