- Being in Bergen adds an extra dimension to the exploration of past sea level fluctuations

The oceans are shared domains, as people from almost every country can access, use, and exploit their finite resources. It is therefore important that we collectively work together to manage them in effective and sustainable ways, a frontier to which I hope I can contribute. 

What attracted you to being a researcher and then to the SEAS programme? 

I found the opportunity to improve our understanding of human-resource relationship, especially with a marine emphasis, to be irresistible. The oceans are shared domains, as people from almost every country can access, use, and exploit their finite resources. It is therefore important that we collectively work together to manage them in effective and sustainable ways, a frontier to which I hope I can contribute. 

Photo:

Jeremy Beller

Can you give a description in general terms of your SEAS project? 

My SEAS project falls under the larger umbrella of the Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE) project, which investigates the relationship between past peoples on the coast of South Africa and their marine and terrestrial habitats. Within this overarching purview, my aim is to reconstruct the nature of human mobility—where people moved and planned their resource acquisition—as a response to changing environmental circumstances, specifically case sea level fluctuation. For example, if sea level rose or fell on a coastal city, such as Bergen, what would that mean for where you would go shopping, set up industry, or raise children? 

Are you about to see results that might also give you a way forward on your future research? 

I joined SEAS in January 2024 and now, after several months of fieldwork and sample preparation, I am starting to analyse the initial data. The preliminary results suggest that as sea level fell, our ancestors along the southern African coast engaged in differential mobility, prioritising food resources over stable raw materials, and demonstrating a unique knowledge of their evolving landscape. 

What kind of field work have you had during the SEAS programme and how would you describe the experience? 

I undertook two field campaigns to the southern Cape of South Africa to collect rock samples. As part of the larger research group (SapienCE), I participated in the 2024 archaeological excavations at Blombos Cave, South Africa. I learned a considerable amount about the regional geology, coastal subsistence, and marine resource exploitation and conservation. The food and wine were excellent, as well.

Photo: Jeremy Beller

Left: Jeremy working at the excavation of Tell es-Safi/Gath, Israel

What have been the pros and cons of the SEAS programme in terms of resources, in terms of community, or in terms of cooperation with industry and society at large? 

I have been impressed by the collegiality and community that the SEAS programme has provided and fostered. I have made new friends in the SEAS group and am even engaging in interdisciplinary projects with a few of them. The many resources available to us are not something of which everyone takes full advantage, unfortunately. Our bi-weekly meetings always feature an interesting speaker or discussion. The SEAS Office has been very supportive as well. 

What has been your experience of being located in Bergen? 

Coming from Canada and north of the 49th parallel, I am used to the long days of summer and long nights of winter. However, the excessive rain that Bergen receives was a new experience, for which I was only semi-prepared (had to get a better raincoat). I’ve been impressed by the user-friendly and regular transit system and pleasantly surprised by the lack of advertising and commercialism across the city. 

The formal and informal discussions with other SEAS members have provided insight into other closely related aspects I had not fully considered ... I’ve been able to discuss ideas with other SEAS members who have similar interests, and we are collaborating on smaller side projects, such as exploring the logistics around underwater cultural resources and EU conservation law. 

In what ways have you found the interdisciplinary aspects of the SEAS project to be a contribution to your project? 

I work closely with three other SEAS members on the larger project that stems out of the Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE). Together, we are excavating two coastal archaeological sites (Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Rockshelter) and reconstructing the interaction between humans and their coastal landscape. Our separate projects inform and complement each other’s. The formal and informal discussions with other SEAS members have provided insight into other closely related aspects I had not fully considered (e.g., blue economy). I’ve been able to discuss ideas with other SEAS members who have similar interests, and we are collaborating on smaller side projects, such as exploring the logistics around underwater cultural resources and EU conservation law. 

It reveals the adaptive nature of humans and their capacity to develop coastal and inland ecocultural niches for subsistence ... [and] further spotlights the importance of marine resources and their contribution to the longevity and development of our species.

In what ways do your project connect to the UN sustainability goals, or otherwise connect to the topic of marine sustainability? 

My project explores the responses of ancient humans to receding and advancing coastlines over long periods of time. It reveals the adaptive nature of humans and their capacity to develop coastal and inland ecocultural niches for subsistence. It further spotlights the importance of marine resources and their contribution to the longevity and development of our species. I hope the results will provide meaningful comparisons and inform on similar issues for populations today. 

Photo: Jeremy Beller

Left: Jeremy and Reggie hiking just outside of Bergen

How do you spend your free time? 

I typically spend my free time doing various activities with family and friends. I enjoy most sports recreationally and I’m often at the Fana Golfklubb, playing a round. I’m also a dedicated rockhound so I’ve been enjoying the geoparks around Bergen and hiking the hills with my dog, Reggie, to collect specimens. I also have a soft spot for the pub… 

Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years? 

Ideally, I would like to continue to contribute to understanding human behaviour and resource interaction through research. I suspect I will move from here to another post-doctoral fellowship.