Prehistoric Fish Trap
US aerial photographers reported seeing an unusual shape in the Teifi River area's waters in 2009. According to research by Dr. Ziggy Otto of Pembrokeshire College, a Welsh community built an 800-foot structure to aid in fishing in the 11th century. On Google Earth, a gigantic fish trap that was constructed during the Norman Conquest and intended to trap fish behind rock walls was discovered.
This enormous medieval fish trap was discovered in a Pembrokeshire estuary in Wales after being spotted in aerial photos taken by Google Earth. Experts speculate that the 260 m (853 ft) long artificial V-shaped structure could be more than 1,000 years old. They believe it was built to catch fish that migrate, like salmon and sea trout, as they ascend the River Teifi at Poppit in Pembrokeshire. Research is being undertaken between Pembrokeshire College and the Dyfed Archaeological Trust to find out more.
Although the water in it would have been shallower 1,000 years ago, when the sea level was lower, the structure is about 3 feet wide and extends about 12 inches above the underwater sand. Fish would have swum into the estuary, but as the water receded with the ebbing tide, they would have become trapped in the structure.
- Where: Teifi River area's waters
- Year of Discovery: 2009
