Shikotan is the largest island in the Lesser Kuril range. It is 27 km long and 5 to 13 km wide. The island is very comfortable for walking. On Shikotan there are no active volcanoes, thermal springs, bears and venomous snakes, as well as large rivers and lakes, but there are many beautiful bays and pristine nature. Currently, the island has a port and a fish cannery. Fishermen on an industrial scale catch cod, flounder, saury, Pollock, squid and crab. Shikotan is also a scientific base-there is a hydrophysical Observatory.