Archaeologists Uncover 1,200-Year-Old Island in Fiji Constructed Primarily from Discarded Shellfish
Archaeologists have discovered a 1,200-year-old island off the north coast of Vanua Levu, Fiji, that is largely composed of discarded shellfish. This landform, located near Culasawani, spans approximately 3,000 square meters and rises up to 60 centimeters above the high-tide mark. Investigations, including hand-auger cores and test pits, revealed that 70 to 90 percent of the deposit consists of shells, forming a layer 20 to 40 centimeters thick. Radiocarbon dating indicates the shells accumulated between roughly 420 and 1040 CE, with a cluster around 760 CE. The dominant species found are Anadara clams, alongside other edible bivalves and sea snails. Plain potsherds, consistent with later pre-modern Fijian earthenware, were also found throughout the shell layer. Researchers, led by geographer Patrick Nunn, interpret the site as an open-air shellfish processing station rather than a settlement, as there were no animal bones, fish remains, or stone tools found. 
