On Mussels: Mytilus Californianus as a Prehistoric Resource

The resource utility of Mytilus californianus, one of the most abundant bivalves found in the archaeological record of the west coast of North America and the most common among living intertidal populations has been characterized in variable terms. Experimental evaluation of alternative mussel collection techniques and review of mussel biology reveals that under ideal circumstances this mollusk produces caloric returns comparable to other commodities exploited by range-restricted foragers. Mussels are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and could contribute to complete diets among highly mobile foragers. Mussels could not be overexploited to extinction, but resource value declines with frequent exploitation, rendering them of less dietary significance in intensified economies.