This aspect is examined using an analytic model that balances effects of diffusion with swimming ability. The study area in the western Gulf of Alaska with a schematic of pollock location as a function of life history stage. The sea valley extends southwestward from the northern end of Kodiak Island to the vicinity of Sutwik Island where it turns south toward the continental slope. The insert shows the location of the Alaska Coastal Current and the Alaskan Stream. The ACC occupies only a portion of the sea valley at any time and its strength fluctuates on a time scale of days.
Eddies are common in the sea valley to the west of Kodiak Island.