Alaska Maritime
National Wildlife Refuge

The Chiswell Islands, about 35 miles south of Seward and the three Pye Islands, lying east of Nuka island, 30 miles left of the Chiswells area, is part of the Gulf of Alaska Unit of the extensive Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The gulf unit extends from Southeast to South Central Alaska. The Pyes and Chiswells can be observed most conveniently from a charter boat.

Nearly 60 percent of the 105,000 estimated nesting seabirds along the 600-mile coastline on the south side of the Kenai Peninsula use the Chiswells.

From early June through July, it's a bird-watcher's bonanza.

Biologist Ed bailey writes, "The most fascinating of the Chiswells is precipitous Matushka Island, where eight of the 14 seabirds species nesting in the region are crowded together. Parakeet auklets and pigeon gillemots dart across the water from jagged granite cliffs and grassy ledges above."

The Chiswell Islands number nearly 200 and add up to about 3,300 acres. Their rugged character makes landing nearly impossible. Kayakers are at particular risk. Sudden williwas whistling down the bays could easily blow a kayaker out to sea.

The Pye Island group also harbors seabirds, but the reward, perhaps, is to see the largest Steller's sea lion colony of the Kenai Peninsula coastline. Hundreds of pups dot the boulders and bulls occupy the higher rocks and the cows move about below.

Killer whales frequent the waters to prey on the sea lions. Black bears, land otters and other mammals find a home in the lush rain forest.

Chisik and Duck islands, also part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and within the Kenai Peninsula Borough boundaries across Cook Inlet, are described in the Homer area of this map. Headquarters for the maritime Refuge is at 202 West Pioneer Ave., Homer. (907) 235-6546.