ably, over this time the average salmon runs to the area are the highest in the recorded history of the run. The scientists also note that estimates show no difference in spawning numbers between streams within the oil spill site and nearby streams that never contained oil. Clearly, analysis of the ten years following the spill produces evidence that counters expectations that pink salmon populations would suffer from effects of the oil spilled from Exxon Valdez. Studies on sea otter populations in Price William Sound produce similar signs of environmental recovery. A substantial portion of the sea otter population was killed by oil from the Exxon Valdez. Even though otter numbers decreased initially following the spill, counts of independent otters since the spill have increased at almost all tested locations. Independent otter counts at all four heavily oiled sites were at least as high as the last prespill counts conducted in 1984-1985. Also, pups to adult ratios are considerably higher than prespill ratios at all sites. This movement towards recovery is credited to high pup production, reoccupation of oiled shorelines, and food habits identical to those before the spill. Although it is difficult to state exactly when recovery is complete, it appears the process is well on its way as otter populations continue to increase from year to year. The third group that Wiem and Page looked at included a group of 23 different species of sea birds. Of these 23 species, 10 (43%) showed no evidence of impacts associated with the oil spill, 1 (4%) exhibited a positive response to oiling, and 12 (52%) showed evidence of initial impacts with varying rates of subsequent recovery. All of these impacted species of sea birds exhibited strong evidence of recovery by 1998. One major success story involves the common merganser. From 1989 to 1991, the mergansers were absent from oiled bays. However, after 1991 densities of mergans...
