Aquatic Transformations: Archaeozoology and Applied Historical Ecology in Wetland and Intertidal Ecosystems

Aquatic environments, such as rivers, wetlands, intertidal zones, and estuaries, have long been central to human activity, serving as hubs for migration, trade, and cultural development. These ecosystems are characterized by their rich biodiversity and biomass, which have historically supported complex human societies. The field of Applied Historical Ecology (AHE) has emerged as a vital interdisciplinary framework that integrates archaeological, ecological, and ethnobiological evidence to better understand these long-standing human-environment interactions. Despite the wealth of knowledge generated, there remains a significant gap in recognizing the historical human influence on aquatic habitats and the potential lessons these interactions hold for contemporary conservation efforts. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of incorporating archaeological data and traditional ecological knowledge into modern ecosystem management, yet the full potential of these insights is often underutilized. Addressing this gap requires a deeper exploration of the historical context of human engagement with aquatic ecosystems and the implications for current and future conservation strategies.

This research topic aims to explore the integration of archaeozoological data and Applied Historical Ecology to uncover the historical human transformations of aquatic environments. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to demonstrate the contemporary relevance of archaeological evidence in informing modern conservation efforts. Key objectives include understanding the legacy of human-created aquatic habitats, evaluating the role of traditional management systems, and assessing the potential for restoration initiatives that engage with local communities. The research will also investigate the implications for traditional harvesting practices, cultural revitalization, and the maintenance of ethnobiological diversity.

To gather further insights into the historical and contemporary dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Applications of archaeozoology to ecosystem conservation management.
- The role of traditional ecological knowledge in contemporary conservation.
- Interdisciplinary investigations of long- and short-term human-environment interactions in aquatic settings.
- Novel methodologies for studying human-environment relationships.
- Case studies highlighting the integration of archaeological data in modern conservation practices.
- The impact of historical governance systems on current aquatic ecosystem management.
- Strategies for community engagement in restoration and conservation initiatives.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Aquatic environments, humans, ecosystems, migration, zooarchaeology, landscape, transformation, indigenous, conservation, ecology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.