The main focus of this project is on the interdisciplinary investigation and evaluation of archeological fish remains and the analysis of the changes in aquatic ecosystems in medieval times. The project aims at receiving information about the anthropogenic influence on selected riverine systems and its effects on fish stocks, fishery and population supply.
With further investigations it will be evaluated how the knowledge of medieval riverine systems could support future water protection projects, like the Water Framework Directive (WFD) of the European Union.
Already in the Middle ages numerous watermills were constructed that hampered fish migration and since the end of the 19th century human interventions and even the destruction of waterways are clearly visible in all of Europe. They have grave, occasionally dire consequences with regard to groundwater levels and flood protection, not to speak of environmental protection, fisheries and local recreational areas. This situation is gradually being acknowledged by politicians and the general public.
Solving research problems concerning environmental changes it requires a study of the palaeoecological archives based on collaboration between several scientific disciplines. As a consequence, the upcoming project is characterized by the utilization of classical and new archeozoological methodes as well as biochemical analyses. Certain fish remains are selected for analysis using the ZooMS method (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry) and stable isotope analysis (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur). While the identification of the fish species gives us insight into the composition of the fish stocks and - in turn - allows us to make statements about the ecological conditions in their habitats, the biochemical methods can provide even more information about the quality of the water and its degree of pollution.
Together with historical data there is a chance to get an idea of “natural conditions” of waters for the first time which is needed to build up new standards for water protection.
The “pilot study” of the present swiss project is almost done. It comprised classical archaeozoological analyses done by a PhD candidate and has been paid by cantonal services. Also there have been some first test series of stable isotope analysis and of ZooMS method. Those first applications gave some interesting results. It is now needed to continue with the project by including these new biochemical methods and combining further research details to evaluate the results systematically. |
