In the 6 years following theExxon Valdezoil spill in March 1989, a number of field and laboratory studies have been conducted to assess spill‐related effects on all critical life stages of the Prince William Sound pink salmon population. In many cases, the results of these studies are in close agreement, but in others they are not. The conclusions arrived at by various investigators must be resolved because both an understanding of oil‐spill effects in the marine environment and the response of the pink salmon population to such spills are critical to comprehending and responding to spills in the future.