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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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.
Editor’s summary
Global warming is causing substantial, rapid changes in our oceans. Attempts to adapt to these changes have already involved a host of marine-climate interventions, but to what effect? Morrison et al. reviewed the evidence and concluded that the marine governance systems meant to ensure that climate goals remain achievable and that societal and ecosystem risks are minimized have failed to keep pace with mitigation efforts. Intervention-specific principles need to be embedded within governance at all levels to avoid the worst risks associated with deploying new marine-climate interventions at scale. —Jesse Smith
The Albanese Government is supporting the rollout of a new long-range marine heatwave forecasting system, developed by the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO. Launching publicly in the 2025/26 summer, the outlooks will predict ocean temperature extremes up to three months in advance to help protect marine ecosystems and support fisheries, aquaculture, and climate resilience planning.
Climate change is taking a toll on scientists’ mental health, with many experiencing distress from witnessing environmental decline. Marine ecologist Gretta Pecl says this emotional response is rational and promotes “active hope” as a way to stay engaged. She also leads initiatives to support researchers coping with climate grief.
ABC North and West SA: Race to understand Giant Australian cuttlefish behaviour as algal bloom looms
In short:
Marine scientists and wildlife authorities are undecided about how to mitigate the impact of the algal bloom on cuttlefish eggs in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
Temporarily moving the hatchlings is one option, but could lead to unintended consequences.
What next?
Ecologists say the ideal time to relocate the cuttlefish eggs would be in the next few weeks.
Dr Gary Jackson and Dr Arani Chandrapavan attended the NESP Climate Adaptation 2025 Conference in Perth on behalf of Sea Change Australia and Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development fisheries branch.
Professor Gretta Pecl AM and Olivia Johnson were thrilled to attend and lead an engaging workshop last week at the 2025 Australian Recreational Fishing Forum hosted by the Australian recreational fishing foundation on the beautiful Gold Coast!
In response to South Australia’s devastating toxic algal bloom, scientists have released a seven-point plan urging urgent action, including $10 million for impact research, ecosystem restoration, emissions cuts, and a disaster-response framework. The bloom, linked to climate change, has killed hundreds of marine species and prompted a Senate inquiry and $28 million in federal and state funding.