Subscribe now

Humans

Hunter-gatherers built a massive fish trap in Belize 4000 years ago

Earthen channels that span more than 640 kilometres show that pre-Mayan Mesoamericans built large-scale fish-trapping facilities earlier than previously thought

By Becky Ferreira

22 November 2024

Satellite image showing channels that formed part of an ancient fishery, and Mayan sites nearby

Google Earth

Archaeologists have discovered a massive network of ancient fisheries in Belize constructed by hunter-gatherers some 4000 years ago.

The system of earthen channels exceeds 640 kilometres in length and dates to the Archaic Period, which preceded the emergence of Maya civilisation centuries later. It is the oldest large-scale fish-trapping facility ever recorded in Central America.

“We were all expecting it to date to a period of sedentary Maya civilisation,” says Eleanor Harrison-Buck…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers