[sinanju]

I recall a nineties book about humanity’s use of salt.

It mentioned that Europe was eating salted cod for about century after European waters had run out.

There was also a mention of merchants writing an angry letter to Columbus decrying his claim to have discovered the New World when it had been under-the-radar knowledge among fishermen and whalers for decades.

[SunkenCiv]

Interesting, never heard that one before. Columbus went to Iceland to research his voyage, as the previous Viking seafaring to unknown lands to the west was known in Europe. The Grand Banks were probably known and exploited for centuries before anyone had heard of Columbus. :')

[SES1066]

It mentioned that Europe was eating salted cod for about century after European waters had run out.

There has been speculation that the Portuguese (for one) were fishing the "Grand Banks" off Newfoundland for years (1400s) before Columbus. How frequently these fishermen set foot upon land is unknown and most likely only for water and repairs.

As for the map, I am reminded of the classic Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck cartoon about what hunting season it is. In this case, I am not even Elmer because it does not affect me one way or another.

Lief Eriksson I do believe, this map - shrug.

[Sherman Logan]

There was also a mention of merchants writing an angry letter to Columbus decrying his claim to have discovered the New World

Highly unlikely. To his dying day Columbus believed he had discovered a new route to the Orient, not a New World. He denied claims from others that it was indeed a New World.