All excavations of Mesolithic sites (10,000 to 4,000 BC) in Britain indicate a huge proportion of fish and shellfish in the human diet. Isotope analysis of the bones indicate that the diet was 90% fish and only 10% meat. This was the case for thousands of generations on early man in Europe. The transition to a high meat content in the diet did not take place until the Neolithic period, and with it, of course agricultural foods. The Neolithic period is characterised by migrations of peoples from central Europe.

Recently, there has been alot of hype about Omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids prevalent in fish, as a 'good' diet. Indeed, it is claimed by eating a proportion of these fish based fatty acids that not only does it form an important part of a balanced diet, but also fends off illnesses such as heart disease. No such health issues are prominent in other island civilisations, such as Japan. There is also evidence to suggest vitamin A deficiency in modern diets is a problem and that fish and shellfish being an important source.

Which leads me to ask the question : Are the native peoples of Britain born to eat a fish rich diet rather than lots of meat and wheat ?