Exploring Ichthyoarchaeology: Bridging Methodological Gaps and Advancing Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Human-Aquatic Ecosystem Interactions

Ichthyoarchaeology, the study of archaeological fish remains, is crucial for reconstructing the subsistence strategies of ancient island, coastal, riverine and lacustrine populations. However, this discipline is often described as "complex" due to the remarkable taxonomic and osteological diversity inherent to fish, in terms of size, morphology, and biodiversity, which sometimes leads to identification errors. Because of this complexity, it faces a shortage of specialists, a gap that often leads archaeologists to underestimate, or even overlook, ichthyofaunal assemblages at archaeological sites. Methods that have improved over the past twenty years through the incorporation of advancements in analytical techniques, such as ZooMS, stable isotope analysis, ancient DNA, and the development of new approaches in interpreting morphology and taphonomy, offer new perspectives for contextualizing these remains more meaningfully in archaeology.

This Research Topic is dedicated to refining existing methodologies and advancing our understanding of the interplay between humans and aquatic ecosystems through the comprehensive study of ichthyofauna. Currently, this field is impeded by challenges stemming from the vast morphological diversity of fish and biases inherent in preservation methods. By integrating state-of-the-art methodologies, we aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and address fundamental inquiries such as: What are the current capabilities of our research? Where are the limitations? What future trajectories should this field pursue? Themes to be explored include the enhancement of recovery processes and archaeological methodologies, the establishment of contemporary collections encompassing both physical specimens and baseline data, the elucidation of aquatic subsistence strategies to decipher human interactions with and impacts on aquatic environments, and the comparative analysis of case studies across diverse geographical and temporal contexts. This interdisciplinary approach seeks to transcend disciplinary boundaries, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics between human societies and aquatic ecosystems. Through the application of advanced archaeological scientific techniques, we aim to advance knowledge in a manner that is greater than the sum of its parts, contributing to the broader discourse on the relationship between humans and their natural environments.

We invite submissions of research and review papers focused on elucidating or synthesizing archaeological perspectives on human interactions with fishing resources over time. Through the lens of past subsistence strategies, potential topics of interest encompass various disciplines including archaeology, marine biology, ecology, geochemistry, ethnology, cultural ecology, ethno-history, paleontology, and genetics. Specific areas of inquiry may include, but are not limited to:

• Taxonomic identification, biodiversity, and the development of novel methodological approaches.

• The evolution of aquatic ecosystems over time, including patterns of resource exploitation and responses to climate change.

• The reciprocal impacts between human societies and aquatic environments.

• Cultural aspects of fishing practices and societies dependent on aquatic resources.

We welcome works that address new research questions using traditional archaeological approaches, as well as those that employ cutting-edge methodologies, particularly transdisciplinary approaches, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human interactions with aquatic environments and their biological resources.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: aquatic ecosystems, biological resources, stable isotope analysis, morphology, taphonomy, ichthyoarchaeology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.