March 24,1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Thus causing the largest tanker spill in U.S. history spilling almost eleven million gallons of crude oil. Oil ran all over lots of Alaskan coastline and into the National Forest, four National Wildlife Refuges, three National Parks, five State Parks, four State Critical Habitat Areas, and a State Game Sanctuary.

Many animals died as a result of the spill. Soon after the spill efforts began to contain and clean up the oil, and rescuing oiled wildlife. Clean up methods continued into 1992. In 1993, they determined that it was more dangerous to continue restoring the coastline than letting the oil stay. Six years after the oil spill recovery rate has become different for different things. Bald Eagles have recovered fully. The Pacific Herring was not so lucky though; there has been a major decline in the herring. Residual subsurface oil still remains on the beaches within the spill region. The harbor seals showed no sign of recovery in 1994.