What is the primary use of Prudhoe Bay?

Prudhoe Bay is primarily known for its significant oil extraction activities. Located on the North Slope of Alaska, this area hosts one of the largest oil fields in the United States. Since oil was discovered there in the late 1960s, Prudhoe Bay has become a crucial site for the production and exportation of oil, contributing substantially to the energy supply both nationally and internationally. The infrastructure developed around oil extraction has also led to the creation of pipelines and facilities that are specifically designed to support this industry, making oil the focal point of economic activity in the region. This focus on oil extraction distinguishes Prudhoe Bay from other potential uses such as commercial fishing, shipping routes, or tourism, which play minor roles in comparison to the impact of the oil industry.