Prehistoric Fish Exploitation in East Penobscot Bay, Maine, the Knox Site and Sea-Level Rise

Abstract

Faunal remains of the Knox site, East Penobscot Bay, Maine demonstrate a shift in fishing strategies which likely occurred in response to sea-level rise. Initial occupation occurred during the Early Ceramic Period (2700 to 2000 B.P.), when mean sea level was 2 m lower than today. Dominant fish included sculpin which are intertidal flat bottom-dwellers. The major occupation of the Knox site occurred during the Middle Ceramic Period (2000 to 1200 B.P.). Between 2000 B.R and 1000 B.R mean sea level rose a meter to be 1 m lower than today. The shoals and intertidal flats surrounding the Knox site during the Early Ceramic Period were inundated. Deep water Atlantic cod represents the dominant fish during the Middle Ceramic Period. Sea level rose to its modern level and can be correlated with the abandonment of the Knox site as a fishing locale.

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