Where Water is Gold

Life & Livelihood in Alaska's Bristol Bay

Carl Johnson

Bristol Bay, in southwest Alaska, is one of the few places on earth where wild salmon still thrive. But this salmon spawning territory faces unprecedented threats from large-scale mining projects, including the proposed Pebble Mine. Carl Johnson spent five years in the field photographing Bristol Bay: from the wildlife and natural landscapes to the local communities and fishing industry.

About the photographer

Award-winning landscape and nature photographer Carl Johnson was born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He began his photography career while serving in the US Navy as a ship’s photographer. He has served as the artist-in-residence for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Badlands National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. He lives in Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife, where he owns Arctic Light Gallery & Excursions.