• Sunset view of Glacier Bay and the surrounding Fairweather Mountains.

    Glacier Bay

    National Park & Preserve Alaska

Vessel Use Planning Update

Glacier Bay dock

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Date: December 10, 2010
Contact: Allison Banks, 907-697-2611

What's the status of this Issue?
Vessel use days and angler numbers increased significantly in lower Glacier Bay Proper during May and September (the "shoulder season") of 2006, '07, and '08, but appear to have declined in 2009 and 2010. 

The NPS conducted two public meetings on this issue in Gustavus on May 20, 2009 and on July 28, 2010. A wide range of comments and input were expressed by participants. 

What's Next?
Superintendent Susan Boudreau has announced that the Environmental Assessment to investigate May and September shoulder season vessel use management is temporarily on hold. Several factors, but primarily the new National Marine Fisheries Service guided charter halibut permit regulations for 2011, will have an undetermined effect on charter vessel use in Glacier Bay. The park's assessment of the need for changes to shoulder season vessel management will be reconsidered at a later date. Public input on the process so far has been much appreciated, and further comment will be invited in the near future. 

For more information about the ongoing status of this issue please contact Allison Banks at 907-697-2611, allison_banks@nps.gov or by mail at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 140, Gustavus, AK 99826

Did You Know?

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Glacier Bay is a changing landscape. Today's beaches where brown bears slurp up crushed barnacles are tomorrow's forest meadows where moose will browse on willow branches.