L.M. Horwood, B.F. Leach, J.M. Davidson

Fish remains from excavations in two parts of an extensive archaeological site on Mana Island Cook Strait, were analysed. A total of 6380 identified bones produced a Minimum Number of Individuals of 1802 fish from at least 25 families. Recent surveys show that the archaeologically documented catches closely reflect the species still present in the immediate inshore environment. Comparison of the late (nineteenth century) and two early (fifteenth century) assemblages show an apparent decline in the importance of New Zealand snapper (Pagrus auratus) and an increase in the use of netting, although angling with a demersal baited hook was the dominant method used by all the Mana fishermen. Comparison with other assemblages from Cook Strait show that a wide range of species were taken, with widely varying  proportions of different fish from one site to another. Although certain species are found in most of the Cook Strait sites, no single species stands out, like snapper in the northern North Island or barracouta (Thyrsites atun) in much of the South Island.

Keywords: NEW ZEALAND, COOK STRAIT, MANA ISLAND, PREHISTORY, ARCHAEOZOOLOGY, FAUNA, FISHING.

Ó Copyright New Zealand Archaeological Association.

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