ANSWER 1

Written response:

Key elements of a marine climate change response strategy include:

1. an early warning system for climate-related extreme events such as marine heatwaves and harmful algal blooms
2. incident response plans for extreme events (including clear structures and processes for coordinating response actions across different agencies and stakeholders)
3. communication strategies (for management, marine industries, research and the public), and
4. proactive management actions to build resilience

Specific components of a strategy include: long-term, real-time monitoring programs to track physical, chemical, and biological impacts in marine ecosystems; having pre-defined response triggers; and actions such as temporary fishery closures, conservation interventions, and providing support to affected industries and communities.
The NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy is a great example of the kinds of elements that are needed for a marine climate change response strategy, including a dedicated initiative on ‘Preparing for Climate Change’,  a Marine Heatwave Response Plan and a Blue Carbon Strategy.
Marine industries and the seafood sector are also needing to develop their own response plans for climate change. To assist their planning, it is important for businesses to know who they will from with updates about climate-related extreme events, how often they will receive updates, the kind of information they will receive (and where they can go for further information), and who they can contact with questions or observations. Sea Change Australia is helping to support these needs through our Climate Toolbox.