Mesolithic Freshwater Fishing: A Zooarchaeological Case Study

Abstract In this article we investigate the importance of freshwater fishing during Mesolithic in France, inland sites where was always associated with big game hunting. We present a review that have yielded fish remains and focus on case study from an occupation dated to eighth millennium BC at Les Cabônes rock shelter, located near Doubs River, over 9,300 remains. Cyprinid (including bream, roach, minnow) are predominant; other taxa, such as salmonids (probably trout), grayling, burbot, perch, eel, represented by only few each. Although small (about 15 cm) constitute majority catch, provide evidence their accumulation shelter is mostly human origin. These catches constituted source food throughout year, particularly lean season. According ecological preferences species identified, it highly unlikely they were caught single location. The animals probably passive equipment shallow banks or side channels large numbers specimens could be captured. Fishing appears been optimised maximise yield-to-effort ratios, together wetland resources. Finally, question presumed causal links between site micro-setting, occupation, increased dependence aquatic resources reduced group mobility.