St. George Island

Panorama of St. George by R. Smoker

I flew out to St. George Island in late June. The island is home to around 90 people and summer, when the small boat halibut fishery opens, is the busiest time of the year. In the month I’ve spent here so far I’ve volunteered on a beach clean up crew, helped cook meals for a middle school science camp, attempted to climb the grease pole during the 4th of July celebrations, and observed the local fur seal harvest. I’ve also been interviewing people about their community, learning about why people choose to live here, what difficulties they face, and how fisheries management decisions have changed life on the island. Jobs are scarce here and the weather can be brutal and unpredictable, but the island is beautiful and the community is close-knit. I look forward to spending another two months here and learning more about life in St. George!
-Courtney Lyons

Researcher in the fog by R. Smoker

My husband watching fur seals with High Bluffs in the background by C. Lyons

Fur seals hauled out in front of St. George by C. Lyons

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