As many as 200,000 waterfowl have been counted in bays, lagoons and lakes along the coast of the refuge. Up to 50,000 brant may be in the area at one time, in Nanvak and Chagvan bays. There are thousands of emperor geese and common and Steller's eiders, plus king eiders, harlequin ducks and black scoters. Bald eagles nest inland and on cliffs of the coastal area. An estimated population of one million common murres and black-legged kittiwakes live here.
Commercial guides are available for sportfishing, brown bear hunting and wildlife viewing.
It was created in 1978 to protect fish and wildlife breeding and support systems and preserve subsistence and recreational activities. Although the weather from late May to early October permits outdoor recreational activities, flying, boating and alpine activities are occasionally hampered or unsafe. Be prepared for delays in planned events and travel. All five species of Pacific salmon spawn here, and freshwater fish are prolific, including whitefish critical to subsistence. There are moose, brown bear, caribou, black bear, beaver, muskrat, otter, fox, wolverine, mink, porcupine, ground squirrels, and marmots.