Aquaculture, the farming of edible aquatic organisms, has largely and routinely been excluded fro... more Aquaculture, the farming of edible aquatic organisms, has largely and routinely been excluded from classroom and scholarly discussions of prehistoric human agricultural developments. This research commentary provides a sampling of case studies, presenting archaeological evidence from prehistoric China, Oceania, Australia, Russia, and both North and South America, to argue that early aquacultural endeavors certainly represented food production, rather than simple food collection, and that therefore this class of production, regardless of academically accepted terminology or lack thereof, deserves inclusion in the story of the emergence of prehistoric human agriculture. (Keywords: Prehistoric Agriculture, Aquaculture, Mariculture, Fish Farming, Shellfish, Sustainable Production)
The Northwest Coast (NWC) halibut hook is both an indigenous fishing technology, and an iconic ob... more The Northwest Coast (NWC) halibut hook is both an indigenous fishing technology, and an iconic object of rich cultural history. This study utilizes biological , statistical, ecological, and ethnographic data to examine the function(s) of NWC halibut hooks, and how and why dimensions are changing through time. Analyses of measurements from 143 specimens, dated from 1867 to 2015, suggest a statistically significant increase in overall length through time. These findings support the hypothesis that as the use of modern fishing technologies became more prevalent, and traditional NWC halibut hooks largely lost their original function (i.e., catching halibut), dimensions changed to favor decorative or symbolic content over utilitarian/ functional requirements. Archival data, peer-reviewed literature, and ethnographic interviews with contemporary carvers and fishers support the assertion that average dimensions of early NWC halibut hooks targeted fish between 20 and 100 lbs., thus promoting sustainability of Pacific halibut breeding populations. Whether the hooks were designed intentionally to promote sustainability or this size of fish was targeted for other reasons remains an open question.
Written materials to complement permanent exhibits at the Makah Cultural and Research Center (MCR... more Written materials to complement permanent exhibits at the Makah Cultural and Research Center (MCRC), Neah Bay, WA. Produced in collaboration with NOAA, the MCRC, and the Makah Tribal Council.
Aquaculture, the farming of edible aquatic organisms, has largely and routinely been excluded fro... more Aquaculture, the farming of edible aquatic organisms, has largely and routinely been excluded from classroom and scholarly discussions of prehistoric human agricultural developments. This research commentary provides a sampling of case studies, presenting archaeological evidence from prehistoric China, Oceania, Australia, Russia, and both North and South America, to argue that early aquacultural endeavors certainly represented food production, rather than simple food collection, and that therefore this class of production, regardless of academically accepted terminology or lack thereof, deserves inclusion in the story of the emergence of prehistoric human agriculture. (Keywords: Prehistoric Agriculture, Aquaculture, Mariculture, Fish Farming, Shellfish, Sustainable Production)
The Northwest Coast (NWC) halibut hook is both an indigenous fishing technology, and an iconic ob... more The Northwest Coast (NWC) halibut hook is both an indigenous fishing technology, and an iconic object of rich cultural history. This study utilizes biological , statistical, ecological, and ethnographic data to examine the function(s) of NWC halibut hooks, and how and why dimensions are changing through time. Analyses of measurements from 143 specimens, dated from 1867 to 2015, suggest a statistically significant increase in overall length through time. These findings support the hypothesis that as the use of modern fishing technologies became more prevalent, and traditional NWC halibut hooks largely lost their original function (i.e., catching halibut), dimensions changed to favor decorative or symbolic content over utilitarian/ functional requirements. Archival data, peer-reviewed literature, and ethnographic interviews with contemporary carvers and fishers support the assertion that average dimensions of early NWC halibut hooks targeted fish between 20 and 100 lbs., thus promoting sustainability of Pacific halibut breeding populations. Whether the hooks were designed intentionally to promote sustainability or this size of fish was targeted for other reasons remains an open question.
Written materials to complement permanent exhibits at the Makah Cultural and Research Center (MCR... more Written materials to complement permanent exhibits at the Makah Cultural and Research Center (MCRC), Neah Bay, WA. Produced in collaboration with NOAA, the MCRC, and the Makah Tribal Council.
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Papers by Jonathan Malindine