CSIRO says our oceans are changing
The 2012 Marine Climate Change in Australia Report Card says Australia's marine ecosystems are changingThe CSIRO has confirmed what many anglers have been saying for years -- Australia’s oceans are changing and marine life is changing with them.
The 2012 report card provides information about the current and predicted state of Australia’s marine climate and its impact on our marine biodiversity. The report card also outlines actions that are underway to help our marine ecosystems adapt to the changes.
"Although there are some concerning findings in the 2012 report card, the information we’ve compiled is helping to ensure that ocean managers and policy makers are best placed to respond to the challenge of managing the impact that climate change is having on these systems," said Dr Elvira Poloczanska, project leader with the CSIRO.
"Australia has some of the world’s most unique marine ecosystems. They are enjoyed recreationally, generate considerable economic wealth through fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, and provide irreplaceable services including coastal defence, oxygen production, nutrient recycling and climate regulation.
"Although there are some concerning findings in the 2012 report card, the information we’ve compiled is helping to ensure that ocean managers and policy makers are best placed to respond to the challenge of managing the impact that climate change is having on these systems, Dr Poloczanska added.
- New research suggests winds over the Southern Ocean and current dynamics are strongly influencing foraging of seabirds that breed in south-east Australia and feed close to the Antarctic each summer
- Some tropical fish species have a greater ability to acclimatise to rising water temperatures than previously thought
-The Australian science community is widely engaged in research, monitoring and observing programs to increase our understanding of climate change impacts and inform management
- Adaptation planning is happening now, from seasonal forecasts for fisheries and aquaculture, to climate-proofing of breeding sites for turtles and seabirds.
Led by the CSIRO, more than 80 Australian marine scientists from 34 universities and research organisations contributed to the 2012 report card. The report card draws on peer-reviewed research results from hundreds of scientists, demonstrating a high level of scientific consensus.
"Our knowledge of observed and likely impacts of climate change has greatly advanced since the first card in 2009," Dr Poloczanska said.
Aspects of marine climate which have been analysed include changes in sea temperature, sea level, the East Australian Current, the Leeuwin Current, and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.
Marine biodiversity assessed for the report card include impacts on coral reefs; tropical, temperate and pelagic fish; marine mammals; marine reptiles; seabirds; mangroves; tidal wetlands; seagrass; macroalgae; marine microbes; phytoplankton and zooplankton. Two new sections included in the 2012 report card focus on the smallest and largest organisms in the oceans: microbes and whales.
To view the full report card go to: www.oceanclimatechange.org.au
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
