Bligh Island (Alaska)

Bligh Island is a small island located in Prince William Sound, Alaska, United States. It is situated near the Valdez Narrows, a critical shipping channel for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) tankers departing Valdez.

The island's significance stems from its role in the Exxon Valdez oil spill of March 24, 1989. The oil tanker Exxon Valdez struck Bligh Reef, a submerged reef just south of the island, rupturing its hull and releasing approximately 10.8 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound.

The resulting environmental damage was extensive, impacting the marine ecosystem, wildlife populations, and the local economy. The spill spurred significant changes in oil spill prevention and response regulations.

Bligh Island itself is generally uninhabited and primarily composed of rocky terrain and coniferous forest. Access to the island is typically restricted due to its proximity to the Valdez Narrows shipping lane and ongoing environmental monitoring efforts related to the Exxon Valdez oil spill. While not a major tourist destination, Bligh Island remains a site of historical importance due to its central role in one of the largest environmental disasters in history.