Abstract

This paper presents the results of recent sampling of shell midden deposits adjacent to Comox Harbour, British Columbia. Bucket auger and column sampling was undertaken to ascertain resource use patterns associated with the unique abundance of wooden stake fish traps located in Comox Harbour, proper, through the analyses of fish remains. These remains were identified and quantified with the intent of tracing changes in resource use that might be linked to the chronology of fish trap use, known from direct radiometric dates on fish trap components. This paper discusses the results of these analyses including spatial and temporal shifts in resource use, the relationship between fish traps and fish remains, and interpretation of fishing practices in Comox Harbour based on archaeological and ethnographic data.