This cannery is quite unique as it isn't owned by a huge fishing industry - this is owned by Steel (By a person).
We were told by the locals that we would find it very interesting to check it out, and were only told the rough location but using satellite images we were able to locate it properly...
So, we anchored right in front of it in about 35 meters (100 feet) of water—usually quite deep for the average sailor. But we had laid out more than 120 meters of chain (around 400 feet), which was enough to hold our 20-ton boat securely, even in a stiff breeze.
We landed our dingy or skiff as locals call them and went to explore.
WWe met Steel, and he told us the history of his cannery.
A few years back, Steel had to shut down the factory. Now, the abandoned building is used as storage for other fishing vessels that operate in this region—and even as a repair shop for some.
Why are these canneries shutting down?
Well we asked the same question...
The fishing industry hasn’t been doing well in recent years. Fish prices have remained the same, but maintenance costs have been rising, putting many fishermen out of business as fishing is no longer profitable. This, in turn, means less fish goes to the canneries, leaving them with no fish to can. As a result, the canneries also become unprofitable—it’s like a chain reaction.
So what do the canneries do then?
Well, some buildings have been transformed into lodges for hunters and seasonal fishermen—just like the two buildings right in the background of this image. As I’ve mentioned in my blog, these lodges have now become the main source of income in this part of South Kodiak.
Did you know at the peak of fishing which was the early 1900s there were more than 30 canneries across Kodiak Island now with all the drama only one main cannery stands in Kodiak still operating
Now, not only do they repurpose these abandoned buildings into lodges—they also turn the old equipment into museum exhibits. They even built little metal structures (I forgot to capture them with the drone, but trust me, they’re there). You can imagine how much junk is left behind, but these folks take that "rubbish" and transform it into something incredible. Walking through these makeshift museums is fascinating—I highly recommend visiting one if you’re nearby. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
If you enjoyed, be sure to leave a comment and follow along this my adventures to see more...
Until next time...
Kon
Published with PeakVault
