Hooked on tuna: People have been harvesting these ocean predators for 44,000 years
Bones in archaeological sites, ancient rock art, paintings on frescos and vases, written historical records and ethnographic accounts all helped researchers recreate a deep history of people and tuna.
For over 44,000 years, humans have been harvesting tuna, a prized food source with a deep and dynamic history. Initially, tuna bones found in Jerimalai Cave in East Timor provide the oldest definitive evidence of tuna fishing. Tuna are highly mobile apex predators that migrate thousands of miles across the open ocean and serve as indicators of ocean health.
Evidence suggests early fishing methods included hook and line, harpoons, and traps or nets, often taking advantage of topographic features that gathered tuna close to shore. The cultural significance of tuna is evident in ancient Greek practices, where tuna were offered to gods and considered worthy of sacrifice. By 3,000 years ago, a significant commercial tuna fishery had formed in the Mediterranean.
Today, tuna remains an essential component of the global seafood industry, valued for both its economic importance and ecological role.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
