Traditional Rotuman fishing in temporal and regional context

Abstract

Few archaeological sites in the central western Pacific (i.e., Fiji-Samoa-Tonga region) have provided large and temporally well-controlled archaeofaunal assemblages. Therefore, three sizable Rotuman assemblages, dating to the ca. 7th-11th century AD, provided an opportunity to improve our understanding of the region's traditional fishing practices. The assemblages are analysed in terms of taxonomic composition, abundances, and ecological associations of the taxa. Indications are that the foraging range and intensity of Rotuman fishing may have declined through time, although the results from this single site are interpreted with caution. Comparison with other Pacific assemblages suggests that this may be a common trajectory, one which is to varying degrees intertwined with agricultural intensification, the growth of animal husbandry systems, increased competition, and possibly resource depression.