Join us for this Laboratory of Archaeology Talk with Dr. Lane Atmore (UBC Anthropology Postdoctoral Fellow)
The Once and Future Fish:
Marine archaeogenomics for a sustainable ocean
Olaus Magnus (1555)
When and Where
Monday, Nov. 18, 10:00 AM
Borden Research Room, Museum of Anthropology
Abstract
Historical and archaeological research is increasingly showing that humans have been involved in marine ecosystems for much longer and at greater intensities than previously understood. One approach often taken in historical ecology work is the use of ancient DNA, which has rewritten much of our understanding of past terrestrial environments. In the last few years, the combination of ancient DNA and whole genome sequencing is beginning to revolutionize marine historical ecology, providing a unique window for applications to fisheries science and marine conservation. I here present recent advances in marine archaeogenomics using the case study of the Atlantic herring. Fished for a thousand years in the north Atlantic, herring have had a long, intertwined relationship with humans, providing crucial nutritional, economic, and cultural value. Through this case study, I demonstrate the capacity of archaeogenomics to reveal patterns of serial resource depletion, the origins of intensive fishing in Europe, and differential responses to climate change between fish populations.
About Dr. Lane Atmore
Lane is a Banting Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Killam Laureate in the ADaPT lab. Her postdoctoral research focuses on the historical ecology and intertwined evolution of Pacific herring and people across the Pacific Rim through aDNA and population genomics. Prior to UBC, Lane earned a BA in anthropology from Grinnell College, an MPhil in applied biological anthropology from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD in biology from the University of Oslo. In 2016, she was awarded a Thomas J. Watson fellowship to study seafaring communities around the world.
