In 1991 Alaska Sea Grant convened scientists from around the world to address the question Is food availability the key to declining marine mammal and seabird populations in the northern Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea? The participants concluded that, indeed, food availability is the most plausible explanation for the population declines. This book lays important groundwork for scientists, managers, and policymakers as they address the serious pinniped declines in Alaksa. The summaries preserve the flavor of the lively discussions that took place at the workshop.