Open water and floating ice ponds,lakes and river channels in the Sagavanirktok River Delta in Alaska's North Slope.

PNNL scientists employed satellite technology to characterize the impacts of oil development activities on the environment. Using satellite radar to "see" through the ice, scientists detected critical fish overwintering habitats by identifying where ice was grounded and where it was floating. Utilizing this information on critical habitats, fishery managers can suggest locations for energy development activities that increase the sustainability of fishery resources and minimize the environmental impact. Research was funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior.