This 2012 Report Card demonstrates that climate change is having significant impacts on Australia’s oceans and marine ecosystems.

Many new changes have been documented in the 2012 Report Card. There is now striking evidence of extensive southward movements of tropical fish and plankton species in southeast Australia, declines in abundance of temperate species, and the first signs of the effect of ocean acidification on marine species with shells.

The report card highlights that the Australian science community is widely engaged in research, monitoring and observing programs to increase our understanding of climate change impacts and inform management.

A whopping 98 leading marine scientists in Australia, from 37 universities and research organisations, contributed to the 2012 Report Card. Each section contains information on what is already happening, what may happen it future, and describes the actions underway to prepare and adapt to changes.

The project has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, through the Marine Biodiversity and Resources Adaptation Network, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, and CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship.

Have a look at the report card here.