Archaeological evidence from the Canary Islands indicates that by the 11th century, inhabitants were harvesting and processing a variety of fish and marine organisms. The findings, published in PLOS One, highlight the role of coastal resources in the local economy.
Led by Jonathan Santana of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the study offers new insights into how North African cultures adapted to ocean living. These relics show that marine life was not just a food source but central to economic systems.
The research emphasizes that the people of the Canary Islands had developed sophisticated methods for exploiting marine resources. This adaptation suggests a deep understanding of coastal ecosystems and sustainable harvesting practices.
The findings challenge previous assumptions about the economic priorities of island societies in that era. They also shed light on the resilience of North African cultures in maritime environments.
While the study is significant, it is based on limited archaeological material from specific sites. Further research is needed to confirm how widespread this marine economy was across the archipelago.