Gavriil Pribylov was a Russian fur trader and navigator who embarked on voyages throughout the Bering Sea during the 18th century. His expeditions aimed to identify new territories for resource extraction, particularly the lucrative fur trade of the northern fur seals. On one of these journeys, he came across St. George Island, which is part of the Pribilof Islands. These islands, situated south of the Arctic Circle, were relatively uncharted territory at the time, and Pribylov's discovery opened new avenues for exploitation of the rich marine life in the region.

St. George Island, along with its sister island St. Paul, was later recognized for its significant populations of fur seals, attracting Russian hunters who sought to capitalize on this natural resource. The region’s harsh weather patterns and isolated geography posed challenges, yet the bountiful seal populations provided incentives for further exploration and investment. As a result of Pribylov's discovery, the Pribilof Islands became a central hub for the Russian fur trade, with substantial economic activities emerging around the harvesting and processing of seal fur.

The implications of this discovery extended beyond mere economic gains. It signified the increasing interest of European powers in the Pacific territories and set the stage for later territorial claims and expansion. The Pribilof Islands would undergo significant changes in the following years, influenced by colonization and exploitation, with lasting impacts on the indigenous populations and local ecosystems around the islands.