Shifting baselines in fishersʹ perceptions of island reef fishery degradation

We present the first quantified evidence of shifting environmental baselines from an island coral reef fishery (Rodrigues). As depletion of commercial fish species spreads out from the coast youngsters share few of their eldersʹ memories of former abundance. Of three generations, the oldest reported more fish species as depleted (p ≤ 0.001), including predators indicative of ecosystem health and of interest to tourists. They recalled larger catches of the most-cited species Epinephelus multinotatus and bigger fish (p < 0.001). Generations also differed in their perceptions of island-level environmental change. Shifting baseline studies may be useful when planning Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in data-poor countries prioritising sustainable development.