Pribilofs

Pribilofs, or the Pribilof Islands, are a small archipelago in the Bering Sea that belongs to the U.S. state of Alaska. The group comprises two main islands, Saint Paul Island and Saint George Island, plus several smaller islets. The only permanent settlement is the village of Saint Paul on Saint Paul Island, home to a small Alaska Native community.

Geography and environment: The islands are volcanic and rugged, with steep cliffs and sheltered rookeries. The surrounding waters support abundant marine life and large seabird colonies. The climate is subarctic maritime, with cool summers, cold winters, frequent fog, and persistent winds.

History: The Pribilof Islands were first documented by Russian explorers in the 18th century during the expansion of the Russian-American Company, which established a fur trade on the rookeries. After Alaska was purchased by the United States in 1867, wildlife protection measures gradually limited commercial harvesting. The area is now part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and northern fur seals and seabirds are protected under international and federal agreements, including the North Pacific Fur Seal Treaty of 1911.

Today: The islands remain sparsely populated. The local economy centers on subsistence activities, limited fishing, and some tourism. Administratively, the Pribilofs are part of the Nome Census Area in Alaska.