Kodiak Island

Kodiak Island
Name	Kodiak Island
Location	Gulf of Alaska
Coordinates	57, 28, N, 153...
Archipelago	Kodiak Archipelago
Area km2	9311.24
Rank	80th largest island in the world, 2nd largest island in the United States
Highest mount	Koniag Peak
Elevation m	1362
Country	United States
Country admin divisions title	State
Country admin divisions	Alaska
Country admin divisions title 1	Borough
Country admin divisions 1	Kodiak Island Borough
Country largest city	Kodiak
Population	13,101
Population as of	2020
Density km2	1.4

Kodiak Island is a large landmass in the Gulf of Alaska, separated from the Alaska Peninsula by the Shelikof Strait. It is the namesake and largest island of the Kodiak Archipelago and is part of Kodiak Island Borough. The island's major population center is the city of Kodiak, which has served as a strategic hub for Alutiiq peoples, Russian colonists, and modern American commerce and defense.

Geography

The island's terrain is dominated by the rugged Kodiak Mountains, part of the Aleutian Range, with the highest point being Koniag Peak. Its deeply indented coastline features numerous fjords and bays, including Chiniak Bay, Uyak Bay, and the protected waters of Chignik Lagoon. Major waterways like the Karluk River and Ayakulik River drain the interior, supporting prolific salmon runs, while the island's southern shore is exposed to the open Pacific Ocean.

History

For over 7,500 years, the island has been the homeland of the Alutiiq people, also known as Sugpiaq. The first European contact was in 1763 by the Russian explorer Stepan Glotov, leading to the establishment of a permanent Russian settlement at Three Saints Bay in 1784 by Grigory Shelikhov. The settlement was later moved to the site of present-day Kodiak, which became the capital of Russian America until the seat of government was transferred to Novo-Arkhangelsk (Sitka). The island was the site of the Alaska Purchase in 1867 and later saw strategic development by the United States Army and United States Navy, including the significant Fort Abercrombie and naval installations during World War II.

Climate

The climate is classified as a subpolar oceanic climate under the Köppen climate classification, heavily moderated by the surrounding Pacific Ocean. This results in cool summers, mild winters, and high precipitation, often exceeding 60 inches annually, with frequent fog and overcast skies. The island is occasionally affected by North Pacific storms, including remnants of typhoons like Merbok, but is generally protected from extreme cold by the Alaska Current.

Flora and fauna

The landscape is characterized by dense conifer forests of Sitka spruce at lower elevations, giving way to tundra and muskeg in the highlands. It is world-renowned as the primary habitat for the Kodiak bear, a distinct subspecies of brown bear. The island's waters and river systems support immense populations of Pacific salmon, including sockeye and chinook salmon, while the surrounding marine environment is critical for Steller sea lion, humpback whale, and numerous seabird species like the tufted puffin.

Economy

The economy is heavily dependent on commercial fishing, with the Port of Kodiak being one of the nation's most valuable fishing ports for harvests of pollock, crab, and salmon. Major processors include Trident Seafoods and Ocean Beauty Seafoods. Other significant sectors include government services, tourism focused on bear viewing and sport fishing, and support for the United States Coast Guard base, which houses cutters like the USCGC *Munro*. Limited agriculture occurs, such as at the Kodiak Launch Complex.

Transportation

Primary access is via the Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport, served by Alaska Airlines and regional carriers, with the Kodiak Airport also facilitating United States Coast Guard aviation. The Alaska Marine Highway operates the ferry MV Tustumena, connecting the island to Homer and other Alaska ports. Local transportation relies on a road network centered around Kodiak city, with the Chiniak Highway being a major route, while many remote communities and lodges are accessible only by bush plane or boat.

Category:Islands of Alaska Category:Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska