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Dutch Harbor-Unalaska

Dutch Harbor-Unalaska is among the most famous fishing ports in the world. The port is home to a large fleet of Alaskan crab boats, trawlers and other commercial fishing vessels. The cold and rugged town received worldwide media attention as a result of the Discovery Channel Television series, "Deadliest Catch", which features a cast of rough and excitable men who risk their lives and endure unbelievable conditions while fishing for king crab and ophelio crab in the Bering Sea.

The Alaskan crab fishery has gone thru several changes in order to improve safety and better manage the resource. Crab rationalization, which was enacted for the 2005-06 fishery, involves individual fishing quotas which are allotted to established vessel owners. This method replaces the competitive derby-style system that was known for its fatalities.

Commercial fishermen unloaded 887.6 million pounds of fish and shellfish in 2005 at the port of Dutch Harbor-Unalaska, Alaska, making it the country’s top port for landings for 17 consecutive years.