Social disruption and the Valdez oil spill: Alaskan natives in a natural resource community

Abstract
This study presents a conceptual model for examining the social impacts of the Valdez oil spill on natural resource‐dependent communities. Data on social and subsistence disruption experienced by Alaskan natives are analyzed for two time periods: 1989 and 1990. The results reveal substantial uncertainty and disruption, with indications of changing patterns for long‐term social impacts. The study concludes with recommendations for restoration and recovery suggested from the results of our data analysis and the natural resource community model.