Overcoming Shifting Baselines: Paleo-Behaviour Reveals Industrial Revolution as Tipping Point.

Abstract in brief

• The study examines how human activities over the past 800 years have notably shifted New Zealand's coastal ecosystems, particularly in fish habitat use, with a focus on snapper behavior changing from estuarine to higher salinity environments.
• It identifies the Industrial Revolution as a critical turning point that accelerated ecosystem transformation, highlighting the concept of shifting baselines syndrome, which makes it harder to recognize the true extent of human impact on these ecosystems.
• By comparing current fish movement with historical patterns, the research aims to restore preindustrial habitats, improve conservation efforts, and promote healthier, more resilient coastal ecosystems.]