Capstan Island is a designated place in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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.
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.
A large capstan was placed on the small island just offshore and a seal net attached to it.
Capstan Island is located in the Labrador Straits region on Route 510 (Trans-Labrador Highway), only 39 km from the Quebec/Labrador border.