Odiak Pond Field Study

A view of Cordova from the air, taken circa 1940. Image courtesy of Cordova Historical Society. 

Overview of Project

Cordova 7th graders studied Odiak Pond over the course of the 2009-2010 school year, collecting monthly water quality measurements as well as setting minnow traps to assess fish populations in both the fall and spring. 

Through these efforts, these students collected the data necessary to nominate this waterbody to the State of Alaska's Catalog of Waters Important for the Spawning, Rearing or Migration of Anadromous Fishes.  This catalog, maintained by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, lists waterways that have been specified as being important for the spawning, rearing or migration of anadromous fish (salmon, trout, char, whitefish, sturgeon, etc.).  Waterbodies listed in this catalog receive special protection from future developments in order to protect Alaska's waterways that are important for maintaining healthy anadromous fish populations.

At the culmination of the year, students created a series of short films to help share with others the exciting history of the pond, the ecological significance of this aquatic habitat, the importance of salmon to the community of Cordova, and potential threats facing this habitat and how we can all live as better neighbors to salmon. 

We hope you enjoy these films, and welcome your feedback and comments on this exciting educational adventure.  Click on video to view the film, or on the title of the film below to view it on YouTube. 

The History of Odiak Pond

This film explores the how Odiak Pond was created and how the community of Cordova has grown up around its edges over the years.

Odiak Pond Ecosystem 

This film takes a closer look at the components of this aquatic ecosystem located within Cordova city limits.

Commercial Fishing

This film explains the history of commercial fishing in Alaska and the types of gear and fish harvested around Cordova. 

Importance of Salmon and Fishery to Cordova

This film emphasizes the importance of fishing to the community and Alaska, and explains how the Alaska Department of Fish and Game works to protect our waterways for salmon and other anadromous fish.

Our Year of Monitoring

This film summarizes the scientific monitoring conducted by the 7th grade science class from Cordova Middle School.

Potential Threats to Odiak Pond

This film explores the impacts development and human activities can have on the health of this pond located in Cordova city limits.

How To Be Good Neighbors to Salmon

The Clean-Up crew teaches us all valuable lessons on how we can be better neighbors to salmon in this short film. 

Thanks to our partners and sponsors

Projects like this are made possible because of the support of community partners and our funders, including:

• Alaska Department of Fish & Game
• Cara Heitz, 7th grade science teacher
  
• Cordova School District
• Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Education Grant Program
  
• Native Village of Eyak
• Prince William Sound Science Center
• United States Forest Service, Cordova Ranger District