Petersburg
Petersburg is situated at the intersection of the Wrangell Narrows and Frederick Sound. In the early 20th century this town was settled by Norwegians. Even today we could see that the roots of Petersburg’s community are steeped in Scandinavian tradition. Off the north shore of town is a confluence of nutrient-rich waters fueled by the cold waters of the Sound. Salmon and halibut thrive in these waters and, consequently, Petersburg became an important fishing community in Southeast Alaska. Even today Petersburg is still the halibut capital of Alaska. Birds, seals, and sea lions also frequent these waters. Bonaparte’s Gulls gather here by the thousands to feed on the food concentrated in the swirling eddies created by the powerful tides.
Just before lunch Sea Bird tied up along-side the fleet of halibut and crab boats. Donning our boots, some of us roamed among the fishing vessels tied up in the harbor or walked into town to get a feel of this quaint village by the sea. Some cruised to Kupreanof Island to explore a large bog flanked by temperate rainforest. Two adult female Sitka black-tailed deer, along with a button buck, were spied casually browsing in the peat-land.
Just before dinner we gathered back at the ship and sailed south through Wrangell Narrows. At recap we heard about ferocious plankters and how salmon get from the ocean onto our plates. Visiting Petersburg reminded us of how important the health of the world’s oceans are to our lives.
Petersburg is situated at the intersection of the Wrangell Narrows and Frederick Sound. In the early 20th century this town was settled by Norwegians. Even today we could see that the roots of Petersburg’s community are steeped in Scandinavian tradition. Off the north shore of town is a confluence of nutrient-rich waters fueled by the cold waters of the Sound. Salmon and halibut thrive in these waters and, consequently, Petersburg became an important fishing community in Southeast Alaska. Even today Petersburg is still the halibut capital of Alaska. Birds, seals, and sea lions also frequent these waters. Bonaparte’s Gulls gather here by the thousands to feed on the food concentrated in the swirling eddies created by the powerful tides.
Just before lunch Sea Bird tied up along-side the fleet of halibut and crab boats. Donning our boots, some of us roamed among the fishing vessels tied up in the harbor or walked into town to get a feel of this quaint village by the sea. Some cruised to Kupreanof Island to explore a large bog flanked by temperate rainforest. Two adult female Sitka black-tailed deer, along with a button buck, were spied casually browsing in the peat-land.
Just before dinner we gathered back at the ship and sailed south through Wrangell Narrows. At recap we heard about ferocious plankters and how salmon get from the ocean onto our plates. Visiting Petersburg reminded us of how important the health of the world’s oceans are to our lives.
