THE EFFECTS OF THE 1964 ALASKA EARTHQUAKE ON THE CORDOVA, ALASKA, COMMERCIAL SALMON FISHERY: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

This research examines the effects of the 1964 Alaska earthquake on the Cordova, Alaska, commercial salmon fishery and the fishermen's adaptations to those effects. The earthquake produced minimal damage to the harvesting capabilities of the Cordova fishermen; rather, the effects had short and long-term negative economic implications. Tectonic uplift disrupted the fishing grounds and the spawning habitat and killed salmon fry. Numbers of salmon caught and numbers of fishermen declined moderately for several seasons following the earthquake.; Cultural responses were area specific to the disruptions in the two areas fished by the Cordova fishermen, Prince William Sound and the Copper River. Re-regulation and the development of fish hatcheries were the adaptational response in Prince William Sound. On the Copper River, re-regulation also occurred, limiting traditional fishing grounds. The fishermen responded by changing their fishing patterns and technology to adjust to a different fishing environment. Significant changes occurred in certain of the fleet characteristics. Though initiated by the earthquake, limited entry and increasing fish prices also exerted influences in making these changes.; Because of good management and moderate wintering conditions, the salmon stocks increased in the late 1970's, even to record levels in Prince William Sound. Limited entry has stabilized the numbers of fishermen allowed to participate in the fishery.; The first conclusion from the research is that familiar technological and social cultural patterns were used by the Cordova fishermen in responding to the consequences of the earthquake. A second conclusion is that threatening situations can accelerate cultural adaptations and encourage an ecological transition where culture incorporates nature. Thirdly, in adapting to one threat, there is the possibility of confronting new environmental threats. Fourth, adaptations are not always successful for all individuals.