Petit Nevis
History and Whaling
Petit Nevis was historically used as a whaling station, where whalers would process their catches. Whaling was a traditional practice in Bequia, passed down through generations.
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Petit Nevis -
Private Island NOTICE on Petit Nevis
However, whaling activities ceased on Petit Nevis in 2006 when the owners of the island decided to distance themselves from the practice. The processing of whales was subsequently relocated to Semplers Cay.
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Women cooking whale meat on Petit Nevis, 1960s. Celina Ollivierre is in the center. -
Louis George Ollivierre (left) and his brother Athneal Ollivierre (right), the main harpoonist. -
Flensing a Whale on Petit Nevis, 1960s -
Flensing a Whale on Petit Nevis, 1960s
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While limited subsistence whaling still occurs in Bequia, Petit Nevis itself is no longer used for whaling. The transition away from whaling on Petit Nevis aligns with conservation efforts and legal restrictions aimed at protecting whale populations.
Eileen Corea, the last surviving, direct, legal owner of the island, died in July 2011. The island is now owned by the descendants of the previous owners.
Moonhole and Whale Bone Usage
A small isolationist community called Moonhole on nearby Bequia scavenges whale bones from old sites, including Petit Nevis, for building materials.
References
- ^ Mapcarta, 2018. Petit Nevis, St Vincent. Accessed 2018-03-30.
- ^ "Petit Nevis Whaling Station". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ Report on Whaling in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (PDF) (Report). International Whaling Commission. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ "The Notorious Petit Nevis". Uncommon Caribbean. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ "Bequia and Traditional Whaling". Alamy. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
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