Researchers have developed a new tool that reveals ancient fishing practices of Pacific islanders during the late Stone Age, specifically on Fais Island in Micronesia. This innovative technique, known as Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS), utilizes the chemical fingerprints found in collagen to identify fish species from archaeological bone fragments. The findings were published on November 7, 2025, in the *Journal of Archaeological Science*.
The study examined 131 archaeological bones, successfully identifying three species of tuna and five varieties of sharks. These insights shed light on the advanced fishing techniques employed by Pacific islanders, who thrived by targeting fast-moving marine predators. The research highlights the significance of pelagic fishing—fishing in open waters—as a crucial factor in the survival and cultural development of early inhabitants.
New Techniques Illuminate Ancient Practices
Fais Island, a small raised coral island within Yap State, has garnered significant archaeological interest due to its rich history. Evidence indicates that the island has been inhabited for nearly 1,800 years, with residents relying heavily on pelagic fishing. Traditional methods of identifying fish remains had limitations, often failing to distinguish species beyond family classifications. Additionally, many of the fish species in question, such as sharks, possess cartilage skeletons that do not fossilize well.
The researchers employed ZooMS to overcome these challenges, yielding more reliable results. By processing bone samples using the acid-soluble collagen method, they extracted collagen peptides that were then analyzed through mass spectrometry. This approach produced unique collagen fingerprints that could be compared with modern reference samples.
In total, the study identified 97% of tuna family bones with high confidence. Out of 77 samples analyzed, 75 were identified as skipjack tuna, while two were yellowfin tuna and one wahoo. The findings regarding shark remains were equally revealing. Although the reference database was incomplete for precise identification, the researchers classified 20 samples as closely related to the silky shark, 11 to the Galapagos shark, and 17 to the silvertip shark, among others.
Implications for Archaeological Research
The advancements represented by ZooMS provide a more accurate methodology for identifying ancient fish remains, offering clearer insights into historical fishing practices. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to expand existing reference databases, thereby enhancing the potential of this technique. Such molecular-level methods could bridge remaining gaps in species identification and deepen our understanding of how fishing habits influenced societal development.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic inquiry. By unraveling the complexities of ancient fishing practices, scientists can better appreciate the cultural and ecological dynamics that shaped the Pacific Islands. As they call for continued exploration and refinement of ZooMS, the study represents a significant step forward in archaeological science, illuminating the lives of those who navigated the waters of Micronesia thousands of years ago.
