The ****Spafaryev Islands, or Spafaryev Island (Остров Спарафьева; Ostrov Spafar’yeva), a relatively large double island, are located in the Sea of Okhotsk. It was formerly known as Korovi Island. It lies 7 km east of the Antamlan Peninsula (also known as Khmitevsky), the southernmost peninsula enclosing the Taui Bay (Тауйская губа; Tauyskaya Guba) from its western side. Administratively these islands belong to the Magadan Oblast of the Russian Federation.

Etymology

The Spafaryev Islands were named after Major General knight Leontiy Spafaryev (1765–1847) of the Imperial Russian Navy. Spafaryev was Director of the Russian Lighthouse Administration and cartographer of the Russian Admiralty.

History

The islands were frequented by American and French whaleships hunting bowhead and gray whales between 1849 and 1885. Talan was called Green Island, while Spafaryev was called Fog Island. Boats were sent ashore to shoot seabirds and collect eggs and berries as well as to search for whales.

Geography

The Spafaryev Islands are composed of two islands joined by a narrow landspit, less than 750 m wide.