DOCSLIB.ORG

Research Informs Legislative Change in a Marine Turtle Fishery

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Research Informs Legislative Change in a Marine Turtle Fishery Biodivers Conserv DOI 10.1007/s10531-015-0900-1 ORIGINAL PAPER Protecting the breeders: research informs legislative change in a marine turtle fishery 1 2 Thomas B. Stringell • Wesley V. Clerveaux • 1 2 Brendan J. Godley • Quinton Phillips • 1,3 1,3 Susan Ranger • Peter B. Richardson • 3 1 Amdeep Sanghera • Annette C. Broderick Received: 12 September 2014 / Revised: 20 February 2015 / Accepted: 4 March 2015 Ó Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015 Abstract Marine turtles are sensitive to harvesting because of life-cycle traits such as longevity, late maturity and natal philopatry. The take of nesting females is of conservation concern because they are key to population maintenance and has led to global efforts to protect this life stage. In the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI; a UK Overseas Territory in the Caribbean), previous turtle fishery legislation protected nesting turtles on the beach but not in the water, where turtles over a minimum size were subject to legal take. In a 2-year study, we undertook nesting beach and in-water surveys, molecular analyses, satellite tracking and collation of fisheries landing data to investigate the populations of green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles in the TCI and its turtle fishery. Adults were frequently taken in one of the region’s largest legal and artisanal turtle fisheries. We suggest that nesting populations in the TCI, which contain genetically unique haplotypes, have diminished since the 1980s, likely as a result of the harvest of adults. Using these multiple lines of evidence, we highlight the inadequacies of the former fishery regulations and propose specific legislative amendments, which, as a result of this study, were implemented on 1 July 2014 by the TCI government. With good enforcement, these measures will protect adults breeding in the TCI and those from nesting rookeries in the region that use the waters of the TCI, improve the management of this fishery, and safe- guard fisher livelihoods. Communicated by Angus Jackson. & Thomas B. Stringell [email protected] Annette C. Broderick [email protected] 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK 2 Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands 3 Marine Conservation Society, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 5NB, UK 123 Biodivers Conserv Keywords Turks and Caicos Islands Á UK overseas territories Á Marine turtle harvest Á Nesting phenology Á mtDNA haplotypes Á Satellite tracking Introduction Fishing has played a dominant role in almost every marine ecosystem, with numerous species overexploited and greatly reduced (FAO 2010; Myers and Worm 2003; Pauly et al. 2005). Marine turtles are no exception, and their reduction from historical abundances is widely known, particularly in the Caribbean region (Jackson et al. 2001; McClenachan et al. 2006). Marine turtles are sensitive to exploitation because they are long-lived, late maturing, exhibit natal philopatry, lay eggs on land and, in most species, their life-cycle involves migrations and distinct life stages where habitats and locations are partitioned (Crouse et al. 1987; Crowder et al. 1994; Fitzsimmons et al. 1997; Heppell and Crowder 1996). This results in genetically differentiated populations that occupy broad marine regions—often entire ocean basins—and cross international boundaries (Bowen and Karl 2007). Conservation of such wide ranging species is, therefore, complex and may often involve a multitude of stakeholders and nations that have differing regulatory and man- agement frameworks, and cultural, traditional and economic values (Blumenthal et al. 2007; Frazier 2002; Hawkes et al. 2012). Despite this complexity, management at the country level rather than multilateral agreements has been suggested as one of the most important steps towards regional conservation (Moncada et al. 2012; Richardson et al. 2013b). Exploitation of nesting females from natal rookeries can quickly reduce populations (Kittinger et al. 2013; McClenachan et al. 2006). Protection of nesting rookeries has con- sequently been one of the tenets of marine turtle conservation and has led to the recovery of once exploited populations (Broderick et al. 2006; Chaloupka et al. 2008). There are, how- ever, many rookeries that have not been entirely extirpated but remain small, particularly in the Caribbean (McClenachan et al. 2006). Here, there is a call for a renewed conservation focus on remnant nesting populations, especially for the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), which is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Con- servation of Nature (IUCN) (McClenachan et al. 2006; Mortimer and Donnelly 2008). In- deed, LeRoux et al. (2012) call for the genetic characterisation of smaller and unsampled hawksbill turtle rookeries in the wider Caribbean and suggest that all hawksbill turtle rookeries be treated as distinct management units, because of their potential to maintain regional genetic diversity. Similarly, Shamblin et al. (2012) call for further investigation of small, remnant green turtle (Chelonia mydas) rookeries in the Caribbean to further elucidate their importance in regional stock demographic connectivity. In several Wider Caribbean nations, legislation regulating the remaining legal turtle fisheries typically utilises minimum size limits that prohibit take of small juveniles and permit the take of larger size classes, such as adults (Brautigam and Eckert 2006; Fleming 2001; Humber et al. 2014; Richardson et al. 2006b). Such regulations were inherited from fin-fisheries legislation where minimum landing size is commonly used, but for long-lived species such as marine turtles, protection of large juveniles and reproductive adults is likely critical to their recovery (Carr et al. 1982; Crouse et al. 1987; Crowder et al. 1994; Heppell and Crowder 1996). Four of the six UK Overseas Territories in the Wider Car- ibbean Region still permit the take of turtles (Godley et al. 2004b). Of these, the Cayman 123 Biodivers Conserv Islands recently amended its legislation to protect larger turtles by establishing a maximum size limit and an extended closed season (Blumenthal et al. 2010; Cayman Islands Government 2008). Prior to 2014, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) turtle fishery was regulated by the 1997 Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands 1998), which prohibited the take of green turtles and hawksbill turtles below the minimum size limit of ‘20 inches in length measured from the neck scale to the tail piece’ or a weight of at least 20 lbs. There were no seasonal restrictions to the harvest (closed seasons) and fishers were legally entitled to remove an unlimited number of turtles larger than these minimum size limits if caught at sea at any time of the year. Turtles of other species could only be taken if they weighed at least 20 lbs. Any take of turtle above the low-water mark (i.e., nesting females) was prohibited, so too was the possession, purchase or sale of ‘laid’ turtle eggs (see Richardson et al. 2006b for review). Little was known about the magnitude or seasonality of the green turtle and hawksbill turtle rookeries of the TCI. However, they are thought to be remnants of past populations that were subject to regular harvest (Richardson et al. 2009). Until recently, the legal turtle fishery of the TCI was likely to have been a threat to the local nesting turtle populations and impacted the recovery of both species here. The TCI’s hawksbill turtle fishery is thought to be one of the largest in the Atlantic (Humber et al. 2014; Stringell et al. 2013) and the take of breeding adults was a conservation concern (Stringell et al. 2013). There has been a clear need to better understand the dynamics of the nesting populations and examine the presence, behaviour and residency of adult marine turtles in the waters of the TCI, in order to inform management reform of the traditional turtle fishery of the TCI. In 2008, at the invitation of the local government, the TCI turtle project (TCITP) was established to assess both the biological and socio-economic aspects of the fishery and make management recommendations. We undertook a 2-year study to examine spatio- temporal patterns and magnitude of nesting in hawksbill and green turtles in the TCI and assess these patterns in relation to the fishery. We combine these observations of nesting activity, with information about the presence of adults in the TCI’s waters through captures by the fishery, from in-water surveys and satellite tracking. Satellite telemetry of adult marine turtles can be used to reveal valuable insights into migratory and residency be- haviours of adults, and provide context to conservation measures (Godley et al. 2008b; Hawkes et al. 2011, 2012; Hays et al. 2003; Rees et al. 2012; Scott et al. 2012). We also genetically characterise the marine turtle rookeries of the TCI using mitochondrial DNA markers. In this paper, we report on these multiple lines of biological evidence that un- derpinned the resultant recommendations for legislative change that were implemented by the Government of the TCI in July 2014 (Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands 2014); these changes promote ‘wise harvesting’ and are likely to have positive conser- vation impact both locally and internationally. Materials and methods Study site The TCI are located at the southeastern end of the Bahamas chain (21°45N, 71°35W). The majority of the human population lives on the three islands of Grand Turk, Providenciales and South Caicos. The economy of the TCI is driven principally by tourism, offshore 123 Biodivers Conserv finance and fishing. The spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) and queen conch (Strombus gigas) are the dominant fisheries, and largely supply the export market (Be´ne´ and Tewfik 2001; Tewfik and Be´ne´ 2004). As part of this mixed small scale fishery, marine turtles are usually captured opportunistically for personal consumption, although there is limited directed take for local commercial sale; export is prohibited (Richardson et al.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • TCI: Facts, Details and More Reasons to Visit
    TURKS and CAICOS ISLANDS Parrot Cay Atlantic Ocean Pine Cay Caicos Little Water Cay Passage NORTH CAICOS PROVIDENCIALES MIDDLE West Caicos CAICOS EAST CAICOS Turks CAICOS ISLANDS Island Passage FRENCH SOUTH CAY CAICOS GRAND TURK Long Cay East Cay Cotton Cay SALT CAY Ambegris Cay TURKS ISLANDS The Turks and Caicos Islands. Facts, details and more reasons to visit Geography Where are we, exactly? And why is our name plural? Nine islands are inhabited and separated into two The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas island groups: Territory, that’s located in the Atlantic Ocean and considered a part of the Caribbean region. The Turks Islands of Grand Turk and Salt The Head of State is the Queen of the UK and we Cay, that are to the east benefit from their military and economic support. The Caicos Islands Ambergris Cay, South Our more than 40 small islands and cays are Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, encircled and protected by a barrier reef who’s Pine Cay, Parrot Cay and of course, wall drops dramatically, from 40 to 8,000 feet, Providenciales, to the west. making it like an underwater fortress protecting the islands from the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves. The islands are home to over 34,000 full time This unique geography is directly responsible for residents of which 75% live on Providenciales. TCI’s beautiful beaches and calm, warm water. This brings us to the next question: Why is Providenciales so popular and why was it chosen the best vacation island in the world? www.whitevillas.net 3 649 345-3179 | 514 574-5272 The Turks and Caicos Islands.
    [Show full text]
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
    Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean – Turks and Caicos Islands ■ TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS LAND AREA 500 km2 ALTITUDE 0–49 m HUMAN POPULATION 21,750 CAPITAL Cockburn Town, Grand Turk IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS 9, totalling 2,470 km2 IMPORTANT BIRD AREA PROTECTION 69% BIRD SPECIES 204 THREATENED BIRDS 3 RESTRICTED-RANGE BIRDS 4 MIKE PIENKOWSKI (UK OVERSEAS TERRITORIES CONSERVATION FORUM, AND TURKS AND CAICOS NATIONAL TRUST) Caribbean Flamingos on the old saltpans at Town Salina, in the capital, Grand Turk. (PHOTO: MIKE PIENKOWSKI) INTRODUCTION Middle and South Caicos are inhabited, and resorts are being developed on many of the small island. The smaller Turks The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), a UK Overseas Territory, Bank holds the inhabited islands of Grand Turk (10 km by 3 lie north of Hispaniola as a continuation of the Bahamas km) and Salt Cay (6 km by 2 km), as well as numerous smaller Islands chain. The Caicos Islands are just 50 km east of the cays. southernmost Bahamian islands of Great Inagua and The Turks Bank islands plus South Caicos (the “salt Mayaguana. The Turks and Caicos Islands are on two shallow islands”) were used to supply salt from about 1500. They were (mostly less than 2 m deep) banks—the 5,334 km² Caicos Bank inhabited by the 1660s when the islands were cleared of trees and the 254-km² Turks Bank—with deep ocean between them. to facilitate salt production by evaporation. By about 1900, There are further shallow banks, namely Mouchoir, Silver and Grand Turk was world famous for its salt.
    [Show full text]
  • Turks & Caicos Islands
    TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS Student Field Preparation Guide Summer 2018 The School for Field Studies (SFS) PLEASE READ THIS MATERIAL CAREFULLY BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE PROGRAM. BRING IT WITH YOU TO THE FIELD AS IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 100 Cummings Center, Suite 534-G, Beverly, MA 01915 P 800.989.4418 F 978.922.3835 www.fieldstudies.org © 2017 The School for Field Studies Table of Contents Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................2 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................4 Preparing for Departure .........................................................................................................5 Preparation Checklist ................................................................................................................... 5 Travel Arrangements ..............................................................................................................7 Advantage Travel and Group Flights ........................................................................................... 7 Making Your Travel Arrangements .............................................................................................. 7 Passport and Visa ......................................................................................................................... 8 Arrival at the Airport in TCI .........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
    Turks and Caicos Islands INTRODUCTION Islands to the west of the passage. The Turks group includes Grand Turk (on which Cockburn Town, the The Turks and Caicos Islands is an archipelago of 40 seat of Government, is located), Salt Cay, and various islands and cays in the North Atlantic, located smaller cays. The Caicos group includes South immediately southeast of the Bahamas, 145 km Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, north of Hispaniola, and between coordinates Providenciales, West Caicos, Pine Cay, and Parrot 21u 809 and 21u 289 N and 71u 089 and 72u 279 W. Cay. The total land mass of the territory is 430 km2, The Turks and Caicos Islands consists of two island exclusive of the large, shallow Caicos Bank, which lies groups: the Turks Islands, which are located to the to the south of the Caicos Islands group, and the east of the Turks Island Passage, and the Caicos Mouchoir Bank, which lies east southeast of the Health in the Americas, 2012 Edition: Country Volume N ’ Pan American Health Origanization, 2012 HEALTH IN THE AMERICAS, 2012 N COUNTRY VOLUME Turks Island group and the Mouchoir Passage. The Turks and Caicos Islands and Interhealth Canada, islands are low-lying and relatively dry, with a tropical Ltd. (ICL), a global health care management firm); temperature that averages between 70uFand90uF. and private, fee-for-service clinics on Providenciales. The Governor represents the Queen of Additionally, in 2009 the Government of the Turks England and until 2009 presided over the Executive and Caicos Islands implemented a National Health Council, which consisted mainly of a unicameral Insurance Programme to provide access to health Legislative Council of Ministers, a Deputy Governor, care for all registrants.
    [Show full text]
  • The Overseas Territories Security, Success and Sustainability
    The Overseas Territories Security, Success and Sustainability www.fco.gov.uk The Overseas Territories Security, Success and Sustainability Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by Command of Her Majesty June 2012 Cm 8374 £29.75 © Crown copyright 2012 You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ or e-mail: [email protected]. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at Overseas Territories Directorate, Foreign and Commonwealth Office King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH e-mail: [email protected] This publication is available for download at www.official-documents.gov.uk This document is also available from our website at www.fco.gov.uk ISBN: 9780101837422 Printed in the UK by The Stationery Office Limited on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office 2474732 06/12 Printed on paper containing 75% recycled fibre content minimum. Contents Forewords By the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary ...............................................5 Executive Summary ........................................................................8 Map of the Overseas Territories ............................................ 10 Introduction
    [Show full text]
  • Turks & Caicos
    Turks & Caicos Overview: The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is an archipelago situated southeast of the Bahamas in the Caribbean. It is an overseas dependent territory of the United Kingdom. TCI is comprised of an archipelago of two distinct island groups separated by the Turks Passage. There are eight main islands (of which 6 are inhabited) and more than 20 smaller islands, with the Turks to the southeast and the Caicos to the northwest. The TCI's economy is based primarily on tourism, fishing and offshore financial services. Most capital goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. Territory: The Turks and Caicos islands primarily consist of low, flat limestone with extensive marshes and mangrove swamps. The main islands are the 2 Turks islands to the southeast (Grand Turk and Salt Cay) and the 4 Caicos islands to the northwest (Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, and Middle Caicos). East and West Caicos are uninhabited. There is also a chain of cays (keys) that run between Providenciales and North Caicos, most of which are privately owned. Land: 616.3 sq. km. Turks Main Islands: (Grand Turk: 11.2 km x 2.4 km., Salt Cay: 4 sq. km.) Caicos Main Islands: (Providenciales: 60 sq km., Middle Caicos: 76.8 sq km., North Caicos: 65.6 sq km., South Caicos: 13.6 sq km.) Highest Elevation: 49 meters. Coastline: 389 km. Location: Located in the North Atlantic Ocean 600 miles south-east of Miami, Florida and approximately 100 miles north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The islands form the south end of the Bahamas chain.
    [Show full text]
  • W Etland Birds in Turks and Caicos Islands I: a Search for W Est Indian Whistling-Ducks D E N D R O C Y G N a a R B O R Ea
    W est Indian Whistling-ducks in Turks and Caicos I 17 W etland birds in Turks and Caicos Islands I: a search for W est Indian Whistling-ducks D e n d r o c y g n a a r b o r ea Geoff M. Hilton1,Tim Cleeves2,Tony Murray3, Baz Hughes4 and Ethlyn Gibbs W illiams5 Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, U.K. Current address: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG 19 2DL, U.K. Email: [email protected] 2 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, N orthW est England Office,Westleigh Mews, Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD8 8QD, U.K. Email: [email protected] 3 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG 19 2DL, U.K. Current address: National Parks and Wildlife Service, Lagduff More, Ballycroy, Mayo, Ireland. Email: [email protected] 4 Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, U.K. Email: [email protected] ! National Trust of the Turks & Caicos, Providenciales,Turks & Caicos, British W est Indies. Email: [email protected] The West Indian Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna arborea) is globally threatened due to significant population declines during the Twentieth Century. Turks and Caicos is a potentially important range-state for the species, but its status there has never been firmly established. A survey of West Indian Whistling-ducks was conducted in the Turks and Caicos islands during February and March 1999 to make a preliminary assessment of the distribution and abundance of the species in the territory, and to test the viability of several different survey methods, including aerial surveys, tape- playback of the species' calls, and running transects through different habitat types.
    [Show full text]
  • Turks & Caicos Islands
    DESTINATION 2020 Turks & Caicos Islands Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association 1 THE LOUNGE AT GRACE BAY CLUB GorgeousMEETS DeliciousGrace Bay Resort’s skilled culinary team has developed a variety of intimate dining experiences to capture and enhance each resort’s location upon the stunning, “World’s Best” Grace Bay Beach. GRACE BAY CLUB GRACE BAY CLUB POINT GRACE WEST BAY CLUB INFINITI RESTAURANT THE GRILL GRACE’S COTTAGE DRIFT RESTAURANT *artist rendering The premier gourmet oceanfront dining venue Offering daily casual oceanfront dining with A French-inspired menu compliments A contemporary new beachfront dining in Providenciales, with sea-to-table fare and an innovative Italian inspired menu featuring picturesque outdoor seating on the terrace, experience on the tranquil west end of Dining Reservations: flavors of the Caribbean Islands. Gourmet Pizza’s. directly under the starlit sky. Grace Bay Beach. Call (649) 946-5050 Email: [email protected] Dining Reservations Dining Reservations Dining Reservations Dining Reservations Set on the north coast of Providenciales, Grace Bay Resorts introduces its latest development Rock House Turks and Call: (649) 946-5050 Call: (649) 946-5050 Call: (649) 946-5096 Call: (649) 946-8550 Caicos, a unique 14-acre oceanfront resort and residential vision. Capturing the spirit and glamour of St. Tropez and Capri, the site Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] provides breathtaking views for its 39 private cottages and 4 hillside homes, soaring up to 95ft above sea level. For real estate ownership opportunities at Rock House, call 1.649.231.0707 or email [email protected] | www.RockHouseResort.com Contact our concierge department or visit OpenTable.com for dining reservations.
    [Show full text]
  • 2016 - 2022 Anguilla Bermuda British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Montserrat Turks and Caicos Islands
    2016 - 2022 Anguilla Bermuda British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Montserrat Turks and Caicos Islands PAHO/WHO Strategy for Technical Cooperation with the United Kingdom Overseas Territories (UKOTs) in the Caribbean 2016-2022 July 2016 Table of Contents Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................ 3 Foreword ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 6 1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 8 1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................................... 8 1.2 Geographical Profile of the Caribbean UKOTS ............................................................................... 10 2. Health and Development Situation......................................................................................................... 12 2.1. Political, Macroeconomic and Social Context ............................................................................... 12 Political ................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly Distr.: General 15 February 2021
    United Nations A/AC.109/2021/15 General Assembly Distr.: General 15 February 2021 Original: English Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples Turks and Caicos Islands Working paper prepared by the Secretariat Contents Chapter Page The Territory at a glance ......................................................... 3 I. Constitutional, legal and political issues ............................................ 4 II. Budget ....................................................................... 6 III. Economic conditions ............................................................ 7 A. General ................................................................... 7 B. Tourism and construction .................................................... 7 C. Financial services .......................................................... 8 D. Agriculture and fisheries .................................................... 8 E. Communications and utilities ................................................. 9 IV. Social conditions ............................................................... 10 A. General ................................................................... 10 B. Labour and immigration ..................................................... 10 C. Education ................................................................. 11 D. Public health .............................................................. 11 E. Crime and public safety ....................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Turks and Caicos Islands Field Report
    Turks and Caicos Islands Field Report 2003 Oliver Taylor Paul Medley MRAG R7947 Participatory Fisheries Stock Assessment 1 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................3 2.0 Study Area ..........................................................................................................................................4 2.1 Marine Habitat................................................................................................................................5 2.2 Fishing Industry..............................................................................................................................6 2.3 Conch Biology................................................................................................................................6 2.4 Conch Gears ...................................................................................................................................7 2.5 Conch Fishery.................................................................................................................................7 2.6 Conch Fishery Regulation ..............................................................................................................8 3.0 Methodology/Fieldwork Undertaken..................................................................................................9 3.1 Interviews .......................................................................................................................................9
    [Show full text]
  • Berman, MJ. the Lucayans and Their World. P. 151-172
    PROCEEDINGS OF THE FORTEENTH SYMPOSIUM ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BAHAMAS Edited by Craig Tepper and Ronald Shaklee Conference Organizer Thomas Rothfus Gerace Research Centre San Salvador Bahamas 2011 Cover photograph – “Iggie the Rock Iguana” courtesy of Ric Schumacher Copyright Gerace Research Centre All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or information storage or retrieval system without permission in written form. Printed at the Gerace Research Centre ISBN 0-935909-95-8 The 14th Symposium on the Natural History of the Bahamas THE LUCAYANS AND THEIR WORLD Mary Jane Berman Center for American and World Cultures 105 MacMillan Hall Miami University Oxford, Ohio, 45056 ABSTRACT Lucayan cultural zones or sub-areas (Granberry 1956). Early published accounts have The people who permanently settled depicted the Lucayans in highly generalized, the Bahama archipelago are known as the ahistorical terms. These images were based Lucayans; the English term for the Spanish on small numbers of small-scale excavations word, “Lucayos.” Previously published ac- confined to only a few islands. Our current counts of Lucayan history have presented understanding of Lucayan lifeways, highly generalized accounts of their life broadened by increased numbers of ways and depicted them in largely ahistori- excavations, fine-grained artifact recovery, cal terms (e.g., Keegan 1992, 1997; Sears the addition of paleoethnobotanical, and Sullivan 1978) partly because radiocar- zooarchaeological and geoarchaeological bon dating had not been applied universally analyses, and the application of radiocarbon to excavated sites and because temporal var- dating, is far richer and more complicated iability in Lucayan ceramics was over- than previously realized.
    [Show full text]