Jon Erlandson

About the Author

Jon Erlandson is a distinguished archaeologist and environmental historian whose work bridges the ancient past with pressing contemporary issues in marine conservation. With decades of experience excavating coastal sites around the world, he has illuminated how human societies have interacted with ocean ecosystems for millennia, revealing patterns of overexploitation that echo today's challenges. Erlandson's research emphasizes the concept of shifting baselines, showing how our perceptions of 'normal' marine abundance have been skewed by historical declines. A professor emeritus at the University of Oregon, he continues to advocate for sustainable fisheries through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate archaeology, ecology, and policy. His insights offer hope for restoring ocean health by learning from the deep history of human impact.