Beyond bycatch The prehistoric archaeology of Doggerland

The prehistoric archaeology of the North Sea documents the past occupation of what is popularly known as Doggerland. It provides an increasing and highly qualitative source of information for both the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic occupation of this area, covering more than 200.000 square kilometers and almost a million years. In particular the intact preservation of sites and landscapes as well as organic remains, provides a rich source of information. The increasing activities in the North Sea, in the aggregates industry and in offshore infrastructural projects call for an intensification of investigation and protection and highlight the role of citizen science investigators.