Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

Gary Jacobson

BOUNTY FROM THE NORTH WIND -- Beachcombers last week discovered thousands of northern lampfish washed up on beaches along Chilkoot, Lutak and Chilkat inlets. The surge of surfaced fish attracted flocks of seagulls and packs of sea lions for an early-spring feed. The fish, which measure about three inches long, live deep underwater and aren't typically seen on the surface, said Rich Chapell, biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. But long, sustained north winds that blow Lynn Canal's surface water south causes deep water to well up to the surface, bringing up the bioluminescent fish with it, Chapell said.