Bligh Reef

Bligh Reef, sometimes known as Bligh Island Reef,cite web| title = Bligh Reef| publisher = HomeTownLocator, Inc.| date = 2008| url = http://alaska.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,1,fid,1420516,n,Bligh%20Reef.cfm| accessdate = 2008-05-17] is a reef off the coast of Bligh Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska. This was the location of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.cite web| title = Frequently asked questions about the Spill|url=http://www.evostc.state.ak.us/History/FAQ.htm| work = History of the Spill| publisher = Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council |accessdate = 2008-03-10] After the incident, US Code 33 § 2733 mandated the operation of an automated navigation light to prevent future collisions with the reef. [ [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/33/usc_sec_33_00002733----000-.html 33 USC 2733] ] Bligh Reef is also where Alaska Steamship Company's Olympia ran aground in 1910. [cite news | title = Olympia's Passengers Safe| pages = 10| publisher = New York Times| date = 1910-12-13| url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9A07EEDA1330E233A25750C1A9649D946196D6CF| accessdate = 2008-05-17]

Bligh Reef serves as a fishing ground for halibut [cite web| title = Prince William Sound July Fishing Summary| publisher = Alaska Department of Fish & Game| date = 2008| url = http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/weekly/pwsjul.cfm| accessdate = 2008-05-17] and a harvesting area for shrimp. [cite web| title = Prince William Sound Shrimp| work = Recreational Fishing Series| publisher = Alaska Department of Fish & Game| url = http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/pdfpubs/PWSshrimp.pdf| format = PDF| accessdate = 2008-05-17 ] The nearest town is Tatitlek, which lies 7 miles to the northeast.

The reef was named after William Bligh, of future "Bounty" fame, who served as Master aboard ship during James Cook's third world voyage.

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