Archaeological record of historical–modern intertidal Octopus fishers of coastal North Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

This study is the first exploration of the archaeological record associated with artisanal Octopus fishing along the San Matías Gulf west coast in Río Negro province, Argentina, during historical times. The region has been occupied by hunter-gatherer and fishing communities dating back to approximately 3000 BP. Focused on the capture of the small intertidal Octopus species Octopus tehuelchus, this practice involves semi-nomadic small groups that establish temporary settlements along the coastal strip. Initial findings reveal distinctive elements within this archaeological record linked to octopus fishing, offering valuable insights into human spatial utilization, its dynamics with the local environment, and its connections to historical and cultural heritage.

Keywords:

• Octopus exploitation
• artisanal fishing
• historical record
• San Matías Gulf
• hunter-gatherer societies

Acknowledgements

The work permits were granted by the National Parks Administration and the Rio Negro Secretary of Culture. We express our special gratitude to Soledad Caracotche for field assistance and to Esteban Tazzioli for the logistical support in fieldwork. We would like to thank the reviewers for their careful reading of our manuscript and their helpful suggestions and to the editors of JICA for their help and support throughout the publication process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the National Scientific and Technical Research Council—Argentina [PIP CONICET 112-202101-00908 CO] and National Agency for Scientific and Technological Promotion [PICT ANPCyT 2021-I-A-00436]. To the authorities of the National Parks of Argentina for granting the work permits. To all the members of the research team who collaborated in the field work.