Small screens, small fish and the diversity of pre-European Māori fish catches

Abstract

Recent analyses of archaeological fishbone assemblages from the upper North Island have identified taxa that have either not previously been recorded – pilchard (Sardinops sagax) and piper (Hyporhamphus ihi) – or that have only been rarely recorded – yellow-eyed mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri) and grey mullet (Mugil cephalus). We show that by sieving with small mesh screens and by identifying a wider range of elements than has conventionally been identified, these taxa become quite common in assemblages. We briefly consider the implications for both archaeological analysis and pre-European Māori fisheries.