If you love salmon and think it is a relatively modern dish then think again because it turns out that ancient humans were relishing this cold water fish as well.
A team of scientists in Alaska have studiedthe earliest known evidence in the form of salmon bones. They found that Ice Age humans in North America ate salmon as a food source.The findings are based on the discovery of 11,500-year-old chum salmon bones found by University of Alaska Fairbanks anthropologist Ben Potter and colleagues at the Upward Sun River site in Interior Alaska.
Recently, the salmon were found in an ancient cooking hearth at a construction site along with some ancient tools.Fish bones pose a challenge to archaeologists because their bones are very small and fragile and do not preserve well usually. Because of these challenges, their remains are likely underrepresented in global archaeological studies and findings.
Lead author Carrin Halffman , a UAF anthropologist who helped analyze the fish bones with co-authors Brian Kemp of Washington State University, Potter and others said, Salmon fishing has deep roots, and we now know that salmon have been consumed by North American humans at least 11,500 years ago.
The findings, however, are contrasting to traditionally held beliefs that Ice Age Paleoindians were primarily big-game hunters. Excavation of the site has revealed human dwellings, tools and human remains, as well as the salmon bones.
The study results concludethat salmon spawning runs were established much earlier and much farther north than previously thought, at the end of the Pleistocene epoch, also known as the last Ice Age.
The findings have beenpublished this week in the journal , Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .
These analyses indicate that modern salmon migrations may have ancient roots, dating back to at least the end of the last Ice Age . Ancient DNA and stable isotope analysis verified the fish remains as sea-run chum salmon that migrated upriver some 1,400 kilometers from where the mouth of the Yukon River now exists.
Potter added, We have cases where salmon become landlocked and have very different isotopic signatures than marine salmon. Combining genetic and isotopic analyses allow us to confirm the identity as chum salmon, which inhabit the area today, as well as establish their life histories. Both are necessary to understand how humans used these resources.
The findings show that ancient Beringian diets were broader than earlier thought and that Ice Age humans used complex strategies and specialized technology to obtain their food, Potter said. He also noted that there is no evidence to suggest that salmons runs werent also present in the area a few thousand years prior to the time when people were living at the Upward Sun River site. This suggests that salmon fishing may have played a role in the early human colonization of North America.
Source: EurekAlert Press Release
Well that explains my love of salmon. It's in the blood, so to speak.
Maybe you're part bear ...
Grizzly.
Hmmmm, could be petey.
Grizzly, no, more of a Kermode. (spirit bear)
Dear Friend Kavika: The reason why humans have always loved Salmon is that it tastes great, and is good for us.
The reason why we fish for them is that fishing is great fun, and good for us physically, emotionally and spiritually.
My favorite is to catch fresh Lake OntarioSalmon. Bakeand place it over a bed of saffron wild rice. Serve it with a side of Three Sistersin fresh made tomato sauce and piping hot sassafras tea. That's eating!
Enoch.
How utterly fascinating!
Wouldn't it be fun to be there, as they excavate to see the exact arrangement, etc.? I bet they thought that salmon was a good meal, too!
Amazing!
I love ''Copper River Salmon'', baked on a cedar plank with a side of wild rice, niijii.
But I'll take Lake Ontario and saffron wild rice as well.
I would love to be part of the excavation Dowser. I love this type of thing. BTW, I love salmon as well.
I love salmon, too!
Well, looking at it from a human standpoint, we would have had something in common with them-- we all like salmon!
Given the fishing in Pennsylvania lately, I'm beginning to believe all fish species have become extinct.
LOL, yup we sure do all love salmon, Dowser.
Mac, there not extinct, there just getting smarter.
Interesting seed. Thanks.
Your welcome, Bob.
From the artifacts that are being found, probably cooked over a fire or smoked, Cerenkov.
My dad used to smoke Salmon and then just set it on the coffee table for the famly to pick it while watching TV in the evening. Good eats!
I love smoked salmon Randy...My cousin brings ''Copper River'' salmon with him when he comes down to the lower 48 for the winter. It is the best salmon that there is. We smoke it, and at times, will bake it on a cedar plank.
I'm getting hungry.
Not only is it good, but it's good for you health wise, Cerenkov.
Here is a receipt for Salmon and wild rice soap.
I once went salmon fishing in Lake Ontario - didn't catch a thing.
I assume salmon were easy for ice age humans to catch because of the spawning run - probably could just use their hands.
It's even good on a bagel with a schmear.
One of my favorites Buzz.