Marine Resources at Cupecoy Bay

Cupecoy Bay, located in the Low Lands of St. Martin, was a vital site for the exploitation of marine resources during the pre-Columbian period.

Archaeological excavations conducted by Ripley and Adelaide Bullen in 1961, and later investigations by J.B. Haviser, revealed that the bay was not only a settlement area but also a center for marine-based subsistence activities.

The inhabitants of Cupecoy Bay relied heavily on the rich marine environment, as evidenced by the abundance of shell tools, fish remains, and other marine artifacts found at the site. The presence of griddles and pottery associated with food preparation suggests that the diet of the pre-Columbian inhabitants was supplemented by a variety of marine resources, including fish, shellfish, and sea urchins.

The strategic location of Cupecoy Bay, with its access to both the open sea and the Simpsonbay Lagoon, provided the early inhabitants with diverse fishing grounds and the ability to harvest a wide range of marine species. This exploitation of marine resources was crucial for sustaining the community and likely played a central role in their daily lives.

The findings at Cupecoy Bay highlight the importance of marine resources in the subsistence strategies of St. Martin’s pre-Columbian populations, reflecting a deep understanding and utilization of the island’s coastal environment.

References: Bullen, R., & Bullen, A. (1961). Excavations at Cupecoy Bay, St. Martin. Haviser, J.B. (1987). Marine Resource Utilization in Pre-Columbian St. Martin.