ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an analysis of projected levels and directions of socioeconomic and sociocultural change in Unalaska. The standards and assumptions relate to existing ethnographic parameters of Unalaska, such as the dependence of the local economy on local resources, primarily fish. Local officials point to the existing limitations of the Unalaska Airport as an impediment to the development of the commercial economic sector. The State of Alaska, concerned about the prospects of demand exceeding capacity at Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, is actively pursuing community and port development plans at Chernofski, further west along the island of Unalaska. On the other hand, the decline of crab was not anticipated and may well have provided sufficient capacity for processing in Unalaska during the initial stages of groundfish industry development. Groundfish industry development hinges upon local perceptions, and while most Unalaska businessmen and residents see such development as both desirable and vital to the community’s future, many are unwilling to commit themselves to it.
