Fish Remains from the Konam-ri Shell Midden B-3, Anmyeondo Island

In this study, we examined the fishing patterns of the Neolithic Age and the Bronze Age through fish remains excavated from the Konam-ri Shell Midden B-3, Anmyeondo Island, which consists of layers from both periods. Identified fish remains include 1,065 pieces (83.0%) of at least 18 species from the Neolithic Age and 218 pieces (17.0%) of at least 11 species from the Bronze Age. A relatively large number of fish of various species were identified to be from the Neolithic Age, reflecting the fact that a wider variety of fish species was actively fished when food resources were unstable. The main species of fish caught during both periods include red sea bream, mullet, sea bass, flounder, and eagle ray, of which red sea bream is the most frequently excavated. Based on MNI(Minimum Number of Individuals), red sea bream accounts for 48.6% (54 fish) in the Neolithic Age and 32.4% (12 fish) in the Bronze Age. Mullet, a subdominant species of both eras, appears to have been a main target of capture in the past as it was available in such abundance that there was a place named ‘Mullet Deombeong’ near the site. Puffer fish were also excavated from layers of both periods, showing that technology for removing puffer fish poison has existed since the Neolithic Age. Fish species identified in the Konam-ri Shell Midden B-3 are broadly divided into migratory fish and sedentary fish. Considering the habits and ecology of captured fish, the fishing season is estimated to be between spring and fall, with red sea bream in particular being concentrated in summer. Considering the scanty excavation of fishing gear, it is presumed that fishing in both ages was mainly done by trap fishing using the ebb and flow of the tide.