Krusenstern Lagoon

Krusenstern Lagoon in Detail.

To get to Naglatuk Hill one would likely fly into Kotzebue or Noatak. From Noatak take a charter flight or head down the Noatak River.

on Chukchi Sea coast, NE of Cape Krusenstern, Kotzebue-Kobuk Low.

Krusenstern Lagoon is that largest lagoon in Cape Krusenstern National Monument, and has been a site of native use for thousands of years. The lagoon is so large and close to the shore that winds can create waves in the lagoon 3ft high.

The water in Krusenstern Lagoon can reach subzero temperatures, despite this the lagoon doesn't freeze solid due to its salinity levels.

Throughout summer Krusenstern Lagoon host over 5,000 shorebirds. Of those the Long-billed Dowitchers have the highest numbers. Other species include Pectoral, Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers, and the Red-necked Phalaropes. Arctic Tern and Aleutian Terns can be found nesting around the lagoon as well.

The rare Arctic Loon has also been seen on the lagoon.

The lagoon is also host to Arctic Grayling, Bering Cisco, Humpback Whitefish, Least Cisco, Ninespine Stickleback, Threespine Stickleback, Sheefish, Starry Flounder. The whitefish have been sustainably harvested by local natives. However harvesting by non-traditional families is causing concern for the white populations of the lagoon.

Local name reported in 1942 by U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS). E. S. Burch reported in 1966 that the Eskimo call it "Eenyitkaleeoom Tehsaya (Inyitkalium Teseya)."

Naming

Krusenstern Lagoon was a local name reported in 1942 by USC&GS. E. S. Burch reported in 1966 that the Eskimo called it "Eenyitkaleeoom Tehsaya [Inyitkalium Teseya]."