Gulf of Alaska

The Gulf of Alaska is a large, deep body of water located in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, bordered by the southern coast of Alaska. A transition zone between the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, it’s home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, playing a vital role in the global marine environment.

Painted greenling – Oxylebius pictus

Fluffy sculpin – Oligocottus snyderi

Saddleback sculpin – Oligocottus rimensis

Tidepool sculpin – Oligocottus maculosus

Lingcod – Ophiodon elongatus

California Sea Lion – Zalophus californianus

Three-spined stickleback – Gasterosteus aculeatus

Tope shark – Galeorhinus galeus

Black prickleback – Xiphister atropurpureus

Rock prickleback – Xiphister mucosus

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Geography

The Gulf of Alaska is roughly triangular in shape, with its apex pointing towards the south. The Aleutian Islands mark its western boundary, while the Kenai Peninsula and the Alexander Archipelago define its eastern and southeastern edges, respectively. The gulf covers an area of approximately 1,533,000 square kilometers (592,000 square miles), with an average depth of around 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) and a maximum depth of 5,893 meters (19,337 feet) in the Shelikof Strait.

Climate

The Gulf of Alaska experiences a maritime climate characterized by mild, wet winters and cool, foggy summers. The region is influenced by the North Pacific Current, a warm current flowing from the west, and the Alaska Current, a cold current flowing from the north. This interplay of currents contributes to the region's high biological productivity, supporting a rich marine ecosystem.

Fauna

The Gulf of Alaska teems with life, supporting a wide range of marine species, including:

  • **Mammals:** Gray whales, humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions.
  • **Birds:** Puffins, murres, albatrosses, and seabirds, such as the endangered short-tailed albatross.
  • **Fish:** Salmon, cod, halibut, herring, and pollock.
  • **Invertebrates:** Crab, shrimp, clams, and other shellfish.

Surrounding Countries

The Gulf of Alaska is entirely surrounded by the United States, specifically the state of Alaska. The Aleutian Islands, which form the western boundary of the Gulf, are part of the U.S. state of Alaska.

Facts and Figures

  • The Gulf of Alaska is home to the world's largest salmon fishery.
  • The gulf experiences frequent storms, making it a challenging environment for mariners.
  • The Aleutian Islands, which lie along the western edge of the Gulf, were formed by volcanic activity.
  • The Gulf of Alaska is a major shipping route for goods traveling between the Pacific Northwest and Asia.