Aleutian Islands: Land of Promise: nearly year-round fishing boosts economy.

AuthorBarbour, Tracy
PositionREGIONAL REVIEW - City overview

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The Aleutian Islands represent one of Alaska's most unique geographic regions. Known as the Catherine Archipelago prior to 1867, the Aleutians are a chain of more than 300 volcanic islands that extend more than 1,000 miles into the Pacific Ocean from Alaska's mainland.

Collectively, the Aleutians are multiple island groups: Fox Islands, Near Islands, Rat Islands, Delarof Islands, Andreanof Islands, Islands of Four Mountains, and Krenitzin Islands. The Aleutians--most of which are within the Aleutian National Wildlife Reserve--occupy a total area of 6,821 square miles The climate of the Aleutians is characterized by unpredictable and stormy weather. Rain and fog are common, as well as moderate temperatures. Early summer and fall often bring clear sunny days that allow spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes. The islands are nearly treeless, although their terrain is accented by dense green grasses, bushes and sedges. And there's an abundance of wildlife: sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals and birds. The islands also have a wide variety of fish, including halibut, cod, perch, sablefish, yellow fin sole, pollock, sand lance, herring and salmon.

TRENDS FOR ALEUTIANS WEST AND EAST

The Aleutian Islands have a 2008 estimated population of 7,140. Residents of the region occupy two boroughs: the Aleutians West Census Area and the Aleutians East Borough. The principle industry for both areas is commercial fishing.

The Aleutians West Census Area is the more prominent borough of the region. With a population around 4,500, Aleutians West is home to most of the islands' residents. Cities in Aleutians West include Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, St. Paul, St. George, Adak and Atka.

Main cities in the Aleutians East Borough are Sand Point, Akutan, King Cove, Cold Bay and False Pass. Sand Point, which has about 1,000 residents, is the largest population center in Aleutians East. Akutan and King Cove have respective populations of 800 and 750.

Historically, the Aleutian Islands were originally settled by the Unangan people, who early Russian explorers referred to as "Aleuts." During World War II, Unalaska/Dutch Harbor was bombed by Japanese forces on June 3, 1942. Following the attack, the Unangan people on the island were involuntarily removed to Southeast Alaska until they were allowed to return in April 1945. The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is a U.S. National Historic Site on Amaknak Island. Bunkers, tunnels and observation posts...

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