Validating archaeological oyster morphometric studies and expanding their potential role in socioecological research

Over the last decade, there has been a surge in archaeological studies of oyster shell morphometrics published in high-impact, high-profile scientific journals. Using large datasets of oyster size measurements yielded through archaeological investigations, these studies have aimed to contribute to inter- and trans-disciplinary bodies of work centered on issues of conservation, sustainability, ecosystem stability, and resource management. Indeed, teams of archaeologists, ecologists, geoscientists, and community partners have produced key insights into long-term trends in human-ecosystem dynamics, especially the anthropogenic impacts of oyster harvesting on this keystone species. In this paper we argue, through a series of quantitative validations and suggestions, that there remains untapped potential for archaeological studies to expand their impact on and relevance to broader socioecological studies. Critically, few studies have aimed to validate the meaningfulness of these extant archaeological findings about oyster height. Further, we continue to lack important interpretive frameworks guided by modern validations by which to evaluate the actual meanings of different oyster morphometrics as they relate to key ecological, climatic, and anthropogenic variables. To these ends, we quantitatively establish the robustness and reliability of recent eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) morphometric studies and suggest new analytical avenues that may be more fruitfully employed in future studies. We end with a series of suggestions to improve the archaeological study of oyster shell morphometrics for both archaeological interpretation and to increase the impact and relevance of these studies for broader interdisciplinary socioecological research.