Traps, Weirs, Ponds, and Gardens: Exploring the Social and Ecological Significance of Aquatic Subsistence Features

Aquatic subsistence features are used cooperatively by cultural groups around the world; common examples include fish traps and weirs, clam gardens, and fish ponds. Aquatic foraging and aquaculture practices such as these are highly varied and operate in different dimensions that are structured by both social and environmental parameters. This perspective comes to us via multi-method anthropological approaches incorporating ethnography, oral history, and archaeology. As archaeological treatments have shifted towards aspects of practice, history, landscape, ontology, sociality, and human-environment interactions, our knowledge of customary fishing and shell fishing practices is now positioned to inform on much more beyond subsistence strategies. Recent topics include labor and community organization, ownership, territoriality, religion, ritual, technology, identity, landscape modification, resource management and long-term change and continuity in practices. Also, in light of growing concerns regarding climate change and the potential loss of archaeological resources along the coast, there has been an increase in multidisciplinary research highlighting local indigenous knowledge and the role that maritime subsistence practices play in social resiliency and sustainability. This session explores the global diversity and the social and ecological significance of past and present aquatic subsistence features and practices, linking together common anthropological and archaeological themes in a holistic manner.