Species Identification of Shellfish Material from Four Sites in the

Species Identification of Shellfish Material from Four Sites in the Dundas Islands, British Columbia: An Examination of Variation in Collection Practi

Conference Paper

Species Identification of Shellfish Material from Four Sites in the Dundas Islands, British Columbia: An Examination of Variation in Collection Practi

Krystal L. Cameron; Meghan Burchell; Trevor J. Orchard

Abstract

This research examines shellfish obtained through bucket-auger sampling of four shell midden sites in the Dundas Island Group, located off the northern coast of British Columbia. Shell fragments >8mm were identified to species level. Samples were analyzed from each twenty centimeter interval from the augers, making it possible to observe variability in site level collection practices. The results from the analysis suggest a relationship between collection practices, species availability and local ecology. Interpretations regarding the availability of shellfish resources are explored, focusing on environmental and cultural factors.