Ethnoichthyology of freshwater fish in Europe: a review of vanishing traditional fisheries and their cultural significance in changing landscapes from the later medieval period with a focus on northern Europe

Abstract

Background Fishing is probably one of the oldest economic activities in the history of humankind. Lakes, rivers and streams in Europe are important elements in the European landscape with a rich diversity of fish and other aquatic organisms. Artisanal fisheries have therefore been of great importance for the provision of food, but also animal feed, medicine, fertilizer and other needs. These fishermen had a deep knowledge about the waterscape and its biota. However, ethnoichthyology remains a small topic within contemporary ethnobiology in Europe. Our focus lies within northern Europe in the late medieval to modern period, but encompasses the wider area with some reference to earlier periods where informative. Method We have reviewed a large amount of literature mainly on the relationship between man and fish in freshwaters from late medieval times (defined here as the fifteenth century) until the early twenty-first century. The main focus is on freshwater (including anadromous and catadromous) fish in northern Europe, the main area of study for both authors, though examples have been included from elsewhere to indicate the widespread importance of these fisheries. The review includes studies from various fields such as archaeology, ethnography, fish biology, geography, linguistics and osteology to map what has been studied of interest in ethnoichthyology. These data have been analysed and critically reviewed. Results There are archaeozoological studies, studies of specialised fishers as well as artisanal fishing among the peasantry, research of folk taxonomies, fishing methods (including the use of poison) and gear, which are all of great interest for ethnoichthyology. There is also research on traditional preserving methods for fish as food and for other purposes. Of interest is the keeping of fish in wells, ponds and aquaria. However, there is still room for more research within many domains of ethnoichthyology. Conclusion Humans have always utilized fish and other aquatic resources. Nonetheless, few ethnobiologists working within Europe are so far researching human-fish relationships. This paper demonstrates the range of research available, but also points to future studies. It is important to widen ethnobiological research in Europe to include fish.

Potential Pond Farming in the Context of Tourism

“…Similar foreign research includes mainly the segment of coastal states (Svanberg 2020) and deals mainly with quantitative and qualitative factors, possible traditions here stem from the source of livelihood, not from cultural traditions and customs, the standard is multifunctionality (Popp, 2019, p.832). Those interested in more in-depth information can be advised to study the materials of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations), especially Manual of Running Water Fish Culture (Juanich, 1988) and History of Aquaculture (Rabanal, 1988) where you can find a detailed concept of fish farming (Rabanal, 1988, pp.…”

Fish and Fishing in Eastern Turkestan A Contribution To Central Asian Ethnoichthyology

“…The relationship to fish also included knowledge about their characteristics, physical properties and ecology (including spawning season), myths, personal stories and experiences, sensorial aspects such as color or smell, and awareness about their seasonal presence in the waterscape. Within this intricate relationship, naming was also important (Svanberg, & Locker 2020).…”

Traditional knowledge of edible plants used as flavoring for fish-grilling in Southeast Guizhou, China

“…For ethnic groups with low limited food production, fire was a key tool for food processing and hunting in the wild [ 11 , 12 ]. Previous studies have documented information on changes in fishing practices and folk fish cuisine [ 13 , 14 ]. In the Southeast of Guizhou Province (Qiandongnan Prefecture), the Dong people manage the traditional rice-fish-duck agroecosystem in support of ecological and biodiversity conservation.…”