Bristol Bay - Definition and Overview

Bristol Bay is an arm of the Bering Sea, at 57° to 59° North 157° to 162° West. It is between the southwest part of the Alaska mainland to its north, and the Alaska Peninsula to its south and east. Bristol Bay is 400 km (250 miles) long and 290 l, (180) miles wide at its mouth. A number of river flow into the bay, including the Togiak, Nushagak, Kvichak, and Naknek.

Bristol Bay is the location of the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery.

The largest city on Bristol Bay is Dillingham. Industries in the area are commercial fishing and canneries, sport fishing, hunting and tourism. Bristol Bay is shallow and dangerous for large vessels.