News and publications
Stay up to date with the latest news, announcements, publications and insights from Sea Change Australia and other work underway around the world.
This section includes project updates, newsletters, relevant publications, and resources of interest to climate adaptation in fisheries and aquaculture.
This section is regularly updated to support knowledge exchange and keep our community informed about new developments, opportunities, and stories from across the seafood sector. Contact us if you would like to share specific news with us and our broader network.
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Not sure where to dive in? Whether you’re chasing updates on algal blooms, curious about the latest marine heatwave or species on the move reports, or wondering how new fisheries management or biosecurity changes might rock the boat, you can filter our news and publications to find exactly what you’re fishing for. Explore seafood finance changes, invasive species, climate and seasonal forecasts, and much more. Cast a line below and see what bites!
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South Australia is battling a massive harmful algal bloom driven by climate change, nutrient runoff, and habitat loss. While large-scale fixes are unfeasible, restoring oyster reefs and seagrass meadows – nature’s “kidneys and immune system” – offers hope for long-term resilience.
Western Australia has experienced its most severe marine heatwave on record, causing widespread coral bleaching and death across iconic reefs like Ningaloo, Rowley Shoals, and the Kimberley, with heat stress far exceeding bleaching thresholds. Scientists warn recovery will be challenging without urgent climate action as global ocean temperatures continue to rise.
Australia has an opportunity to use marine heatwave forecasting to develop rapid responses to biological disruptions.
Over 120 experts met in Perth for WA’s first Marine Heatwave Symposium, held during National Science Week, to address the State’s most severe marine heatwave, which caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality. The event focused on sharing research, improving understanding, and guiding future monitoring and recovery efforts.
A harmful algal bloom in South Australia has killed marine life, damaged the economy, and made beaches unsafe, cutting communities off from “blue spaces” that support physical and mental wellbeing. The crisis has also sparked citizen science, wildlife rescues, and advocacy for stronger environmental protection.
The South Australian Government are providing a weekly newsletter with updates for what is happening along the South Australian coastline.
Their newsletter aims to bring you clear facts, safety advice, and timely updates so you can stay informed. Share it with friends and family to help everyone feel confident about visiting the beach and enjoying local seafood.
South Australia’s toxic Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom has killed vast amounts of marine life, fuelled by unusually warm, calm seas and lingering nutrients from floods and upwelling. Climate change is expected to make such harmful blooms more frequent and severe, highlighting the need for climate action and better nutrient management.
Last week, the Sea Change Australia team held our first case study workshops in Albany and Fremantle, WA, bringing together fishers, managers, and researchers to discuss climate change impacts and adaptation for the south-west’s nearshore and estuarine fisheries. Supported by DPIRD and the FRDC, the workshops marked an important step in collaborative planning for a changing climate.
In short:
Support measures for SA’s recreational fishing sector as it battles the algal bloom include plans for an artificial reef and an expansion of fishing in reservoirs.
A $200,000 grant will go to RecFish SA to bolster community fishing participation.
What’s next?
RecFish SA has backed the reservoir plan but says it will require feedback from SA Water and SA Health.
Ocean heatwaves are intensifying, with all Australian waters warmer in winter 2025 and heat-linked events like algal blooms emerging. Professor Matthew England warns that a major Atlantic current (AMOC), which helps regulate climate and support marine life, is slowing with global consequences.