Oceans Past Initiative
News
Stay up to date with the latest from the Oceans Past community. In this section, we’ll share updates on upcoming conferences, recent research highlights, opportunities, calls for papers, and other relevant announcements.
Global Plate, Global Footprint: How the UK’s Seafood Habits Went Worldwide
What do your fish and chips say about global trade, overfishing, and climate impact? A new study published in Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries dives into how the United Kingdom’s appetite for...
Announcing Oceans Past XI Conference!
The Oceans Past Initiative is pleased to invite you to the Oceans Past XI Conference, taking place 15–19 June 2026 at the University of Victoria in Victoria, BC, Canada. Theme: Ocean-connected...
Cetaceans presence in Portuguese waters since the Middle Palaeolithic
A recent study published in PLOS ONE sheds light on ancient whaling practices in Portugal, revealing the deep-rooted relationship between humans and cetaceans in the region. By analyzing...
New research on Europe’s forgotten oyster reefs
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Sustainability has unveiled the extensive historical presence of European oyster reefs, highlighting their significant ecological role and the profound...
New Study Reveals Earliest Evidence of Whale Bone Working in Late Paleolithic Europe
New Study Reveals Earliest Evidence of Whale Bone Working in Late Paleolithic Europe A new paper published in Nature Communications presents groundbreaking evidence of whale bone working in the Bay...
Sentinels of Change: What Sea Lions and Fur Seals Can Tell Us About 770 Years of Ocean History
A new study in Marine Ecology Progress Series takes a deep dive into the long-term ecological changes in New Zealand’s marine ecosystems, through the diets of two iconic predators: the New Zealand...
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Mission
The ocean is central to life on Earth – it harbours immense biodiversity, regulates the climate, and provides essential services to human societies. Human activities are transforming the ocean at an uncertain pace and scale. Understanding the extent and diversity of these changes requires a historical perspective on human-ocean interactions throughout time.
Mission 1
Advance interdisciplinary research to uncover the history of marine ecosystems and human-ocean relationships.
Mission 2
Connecting researchers, traditional knowledge holders, practitioners, and policymakers.
Mission 3
Generate insights from the past to guide evidence-based actions for healthier oceans and sustainable societies.