Capstan Island is a designated place in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Located along the Labrador Straits or Strait of Belle Isle, which is a major shipping/export route to oversea destinations, Capstan Island is a small community of 55 residents. [1] It is primarily known for its rich fishing grounds. [2]
Residents lived off the land and sea for primary food/income. [3] Cod fish, crab, scallop, escargot, lumpfish roe, herring and squid, Black duck, murre, pigeons, rabbits, spruced grouse, ptarmigan, caribou, moose, porcupine, beaver, bear were species hunted & fished by most families. Also the fur industry added additional income.
Capstan Island got its name from a capstan located on an island very near to the village. [2] A capstan is a sturdy wooden post and handle, mounted in a stabilizing frame, used to wind in a rope or cable to block seals in the bay. Around 1851 residents began sealing in this area. [4] A large capstan was placed on the small island just offshore and a seal net attached to it. When harp seals migrated along the shore in spring, the net 'box' trapped them. Capstan Island is located in the Labrador Straits region [5] on Route 510 (Trans-Labrador Highway), only 39 km from the Quebec/Labrador border. [4]
There are often icebergs directly across from the community; [5] visitors can go to the fishing wharf and get a view.
