Climate change on the Apple Isle’s doorstep: EAC warms Tasmanian waters

Tasmania's east coast is considered a global warming hotspot with waters warming up to four times the global average. Why are Tasmanian waters warming so fast? 

Vagrants of the sea!

As many as 47 species of juvenile tropical fish were observed along the NSW coastline by marine biologist Dr Figueira and his colleagues during the summers of 2003 and 2004.  Are these fish temporary “vagrants" or do they represent the first wave of climate-induced changes in NSW seas?

Marine species are on the move – but what exactly is a ‘range shift’?

Here we take a closer look at what we mean by the term 'range shift' and examine some of the difficulties in estimating whether a species range has actually shifted.

Climate change impacts on tropical fisheries

The impacts of climate change on tropical fisheries in northern Australia is being investigated by a three-year research project through the FRDC (Fisheries Research and Development Corporation).  Using existing data, the study will review how climate change affects important tropical fish species like Barramundi, Spanish mackerel and coral trout; and predict impacts on fisheries in the future. 

The impacts of climate change on south-east Australian fisheries

Australia’s south east is a climate change ‘hotspot’, with marine waters warming at more than three times the global average. Warming will affect Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors in different ways, according to the El Nemo South East Australia Program (SEAP).

Changes in the marine ecosystems of New South Wales

Ocean ecosystems are changing and some fish are on the move along the NSW coast.

Leaving home in a huff: range shifts in Australian seas

From barnacles to seaweed and fish, Australian marine life are shifting house in search of cooler waters.

Phenology and physiology

Climate change can alter the timing (phenology) of life cycle events and the physiology of an organism: impacting a species' reproduction, behaviour, feeding, interactions and where they live.

Land and sea species differ in climate change response

All animals occupy a piece of real estate on this earth, known as their geographic distributional range.  Various factors contribute to determining a species’ range, but temperature is up there in importance. This article compares the reponse of land and sea animals to climate warming.

Sea temperatures and climate change in New South Wales

Many coastal waters around Australia are warming up, according to monitoring by the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.  And New South Wales is no exception.

Sea urchin overgrazing and ocean warming

Dr Craig Sanderson from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Hobart Tasmania discusses how longspine sea urchins are overgrazing Tasmanian rocky reefs: just one example of the impacts of ocean warming on marine ecosystems.