New research from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) sheds light on the ingenuity of our ancestors. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that early Native Americans living in present-day central Alaska may have begun fishing freshwater fish as early as 13,000 years ago, during the tail-end of the last ice age.
This discovery rewrites the narrative around the origins of subsistence fishing in North America. Traditionally, the focus has been on saltwater fishing, particularly salmon. However, this new evidence suggests a more nuanced story, where freshwater species like burbot, whitefish, and pike played a vital role in the diets of these early inhabitants.
The research team, led by UAF anthropology professor Ben Potter, analyzed over 1,100 fish bone specimens recovered from six ancient settlements across central Alaska. By combining DNA and isotope analysis, they were able to identify the specific fish species present and estimate their age. The findings were surprising – the earliest evidence of freshwater fish consumption dates back to 13,000 years ago.
This revelation sparked further investigation. “That discovery was really surprising because it was far from the ocean, in an area near the edge of salmon habitat,” said Potter. This led the researchers to believe that freshwater fishing might have been a response to a changing environment.
The Younger Dryas, a period of abrupt cooling that occurred around 13,000 years ago, likely impacted the availability of traditional food sources like waterfowl and large land mammals. This environmental shift may have driven these early people to adapt their diets by incorporating a wider variety of fish species.
The location of the fish bones also bolsters the theory of subsistence fishing. Found primarily within homes and hearths, often far from water sources, these remains suggest intentional harvesting and consumption. The absence of fishing hooks or spears further hints at the use of nets or weirs – technologies that would leave behind no archaeological trace.
“This is a compelling, evidence-based case for freshwater fishing at the end of the last Ice Age,” concludes Potter.
This research not only rewrites our understanding of early Alaskan subsistence practices but also offers valuable insights into human adaptability. It showcases how our ancestors, faced with environmental challenges, were able to innovate and adapt their resource utilization strategies to ensure their survival. The enduring reliance on fish by modern Alaska Natives serves as a powerful testament to the sustainability of this practice established millennia ago.
The study by Potter and his colleagues opens new avenues for further exploration. A deeper understanding of how these early populations interacted with their environment and their ingenuity in exploiting various resources can offer valuable lessons for us today, as we navigate the challenges of a changing planet.