From The Blog

Reading another cool book…

Posted by JD Thomas on July 13, 2003 in Techfun

I’m reading “1421″ by Gavin Menzies. It’s a very well researched book about China’s major period of sea exploration...

I’m reading “1421″ by Gavin Menzies. It’s a very well researched book about China’s major period of sea exploration between 1404 and 1423 and their system of expansion through trade and tribute (that flowed both ways) and I just came to a section I wanted to share because it just amazed me.

The large Treasure ships had specially designed hull compartments for trained otters. The otters would be released through a hole in the hull with light lines attached. The trained otters would then be used to chase shoals of fish towards nets that were waiting for them. This method of fishing was very productive and allowed the huge ships to carry more trade goods and less food. The method is still used today by some Chinese, Malaysian, and Bengalese fisherman today.

That just seemed really interesting to me. I’ve seen trained otters before but I had never known that anyone ever used them for commercial purposes like that.