DILLINGHAM

• USDLG
• Latitude: 59.0369
• Longitude: -158.469
• Alaska
• Port in US

Location: Dillingham AK 99576 US

Web-site: http://www.dillinghamak.us

Dillingham, Alaska, located in the Bristol Bay region, is a small but vital marine port that serves primarily as a hub for the commercial fishing industry, particularly the salmon fisheries, which are among the most productive in the world. Here’s a comprehensive description and specification of Dillingham’s marine port:

Overview

• Location: Dillingham is situated at the confluence of the Nushagak and Wood Rivers, on the northern coast of Bristol Bay in southern Alaska.
• Coordinates: Approximately 59.0397° N latitude and 158.4575° W longitude.
• Region: Bristol Bay, noted for its abundant seafood resources and rugged, remote beauty.

Port Infrastructure

1. Docks and Piers:

   • Dillingham has several docks, including the city-owned small boat harbor and commercial docks.
   • Piers are designed to accommodate various fishing vessels, from smaller boats to larger commercial fishing ships.

2. Harbor Facilities:

   • The small boat harbor is equipped with approximately 320 slips for mooring, and transient moorage for visitors.
   • Support facilities include fuel docks, repair and maintenance services, and fish cleaning and processing facilities.

3. Cargo Handling:

   • The port handles significant cargo related to commercial fishing, including fish offloading and processing.
   • Bulk fuel supplies and freight for the local community and surrounding remote areas are also important components of cargo operations.

4. Processors:

   • Numerous fish processing plants operate in Dillingham, facilitating the preparation and packaging of seafood, primarily salmon, for export.
   • Key facility names may include companies like Peter Pan Seafood and other regional processors.

Services

• Navigation Aids: The port has navigational aids to assist vessels in docking, especially in the challenging Alaskan waters.
• Maintenance and Repair: Facilities for boat maintenance and repair are available, along with chandlery services supplying parts and equipment.

Trade and Economic Activity

• Primary Industry: The port’s economy is predominantly driven by fisheries, particularly during the salmon season, which sees a substantial uptick in activity.
• Economic Impact: Dillingham serves as a critical economic center in the Bristol Bay region, supporting both local employment and contributing significantly to the regional economy through its fishing activities.

Access and Transportation

• Road Access: Limited road connectivity within the region; primary transportation is by air and sea.
• Air Transportation: Dillingham Airport (DLG) provides regional flights connecting to larger hubs like Anchorage.
• Sea Routes: Primarily local and regional coastal routes; limited deep-water access reflecting the predominantly shallow waters of the bay area.

Environmental Considerations

• Conservation: The region is closely managed to preserve the rich, natural resources, with strict fishing quotas and environmental regulations to protect the ecosystem.
• Climate: The port operates under subarctic climate conditions, with challenges related to ice and weather, especially in winter months.

Community and Culture

• Dillingham is a tight-knit community with significant cultural ties to Native Alaskan traditions, particularly those of the Yup’ik, Alutiiq, and Athabaskan peoples.
• The port serves not only as an economic hub but also as a community center where local culture and traditions are celebrated.

Challenges

• Remote Location: The port's remote location poses logistical challenges for transportation, supply chain management, and access to services.
• Infrastructure Development: Continuous investments are needed to improve and maintain port infrastructure to support its vibrant fishing industry and other maritime activities.

In summary, the port of Dillingham is a crucial component of Alaska's maritime and fishing industry. Its facilities support extensive commercial fishing operations, while also catering to local needs and contributing to the broader regional economy. Despite its relatively small size, Dillingham’s port plays an outsized role in the community and the state’s seafood production.