An island of mussel shells: Fiji's 1200-year-old “fast food” reef

The island kingdom of Fiji is a tiny island that hardly anyone knows and which consists almost entirely of mussel shells. Researchers have discovered that it was created by humans 1200 years ago — as a by-product of their daily meals.

Crabs brought material to the surface from a depth of 20 to 30 centimeters below the ground, forming mounds like this one. This proves that the shell deposits were not merely superficial. Credit: Patrick Nunn

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