The Persistence of Alaskans: 33 Years of Photographing a Volkswagen Beetle-Sized Boulder | Unraveling the Science

This article is from Hakai Magazine, an online publication about science and society in coastal ecosystems. Read more stories like this at hakaimagazine.com.

In the realm of Alaska’s coastal ecosystems lies a significant boulder known as Mearns Rock. Every summer for the past 33 years, individuals have traveled to this spot to photograph the rock, highlighting its transformation and revealing the aftermath of one of the United States’ worst environmental disasters: the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The spill, which occurred in 1989, released over ten million gallons of thick black crude into Prince William Sound, reaching Snug Harbor, where Mearns Rock sits. Alan Mearns, after whom the rock is named, was part of the hazmat team from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that witnessed the rock and its surrounding marine life covered in oil during the cleanup. This event prompted Mearns and his team to return annually, capturing photos to document the ecosystem’s recovery. The project, now supported by volunteers like David Janka, a former charter boat operator, provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of intertidal zones and the lasting impacts of oil spills.

The annual photos of Mearns Rock paint a picture of its evolution over the past three decades, resembling a series of school photos. From a thick topper of rockweed to barnacle domination, the photos exhibit the ever-changing intertidal zone and its residents, including mussels, barnacles, and seaweed. It is through these images that scientists, such as Scott Pegau from the Oil Spill Recovery Institute, can analyze natural variability and understand the recovery of different species. While some organisms have bounced back after the spill, others still struggle, such as the local killer whale pod. The presence of toxic oil beneath the surface of certain beaches serves as a stark reminder of the lasting effects of the Exxon Valdez incident.

For Janka, who was involved in transporting journalists to the spill area and later ferrying scientists, the power of visual documentation is evident. The wide circulation of images depicting the spill led to significant changes, such as the implementation of oil spill legislation, citizen councils overseeing the oil industry, and the requirement for double-hulled tankers. As Mearns looks towards the future, he recognizes the ongoing importance of the project beyond its ties to the 1989 oil spill. Prince William Sound faces new challenges, including warming waters, species migration, and rising sea levels. To ensure the project’s continuation, the team actively seeks volunteer photographers who can contribute to the collection and preserve the records of environmental changes.

This article is from Hakai Magazine, an online publication about science and society in coastal ecosystems. Read more stories like this at hakaimagazine.com.

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