Indigenous fish traps and weirs of Queensland

Authors

  • Michael J. Rowland Cultural Heritage Coordination Unit, Department of Environment and Resource Management & Department of Anthropology, Archaeology and Sociology, James Cook University
  • Sean Ulm School of Arts and Social Sciences, James Cook University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25120/qar.14.2011.219

Abstract

A Queensland state-wide review of coastal and inland fish traps and weirs is undertaken. More than 179 sites are described. For coastal Queensland, it is demonstrated that traps with multiple pens are common in the Torres Strait and at a limited number of locations in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. Most traps and weirs south of Torres Strait and the Gulf are isolated structures, with traps in most cases having a single pen. Walls of traps are most often in the shape of an arc and found at points and estuaries and only occasionally on open beaches. Some traps and weirs on the coast were built or used by non-Indigenous people, including South Sea Islanders. Less information could be located on traps and weirs of inland Queensland, which appear to have included many organic traps and weirs. It was found that weirs are common east of the Great Dividing Range, while traps were common to the west. The review draws heavily on unpublished data and reports held by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management. The use of this information along with published sources, theses, explorer's diaries and ethnographic accounts allows a comprehensive overview of available information. Fish traps in particular are often found in coastal zones subject to development pressure and this work provides a baseline resource to generate discussion about research and management of this significant site type in these zones.

Author Biography

Sean Ulm, School of Arts and Social Sciences, James Cook University

Sean teaches in the Department of Anthropology, Archaeology and Sociology at James Cook University. He was formerly a Senior Lecturer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies at the University of Queensland. Sean specialises in the coastal archaeology of Queensland, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and his work has been published widely both in Australia and overseas. His current research focuses on southeast Queensland, the Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait. Sean is currently Editor of Australian Archaeology and on the Council of the World Archaeological Congress. He is a past national President of the Australian Archaeological Association Inc.

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Published

06/01/2011

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Articles