Tracking and Managing Species Redistribution Impacts

QUESTION

How can we track and manage long-term impacts of species redistribution on ecosystems and fishing practices?

ANSWER 1

Written response:

As our oceans warm, marine species are generally heading further poleward – so south in the southern hemisphere and north in the northern hemisphere. Around Australia, we’re seeing fish, invertebrates, and even algae shifting their home ranges, often poleward, chasing cooler waters. This shuffle is already changing who lives where, and it’s having ripple effects on ecosystems and the people who rely on them.

How do we keep track of all this movement? First, we need eyes in the water. Long-term monitoring—whether through underwater surveys, fishery records, or even citizen science projects like Redmap—is key. When fishers and divers log sightings of species outside their usual haunts, it helps scientists build a clearer picture of what’s changing. And with tech like eDNA sampling and satellite data, we’re getting better at spotting shifts early.

But tracking is only half the story. Managing these changes means being flexible, but our management systems aren’t generally set up for that. Traditional fishing rules often assume species more-or-less stay within their known distributions, but that’s no longer the case. We need dynamic management—rules that can adapt as species move. That might mean updating quotas, shifting protected areas, or creating new agreements between regions as fish cross borders.

It’s also about listening. Indigenous communities for example have deep connections to sea country and are often the first to notice changes. Their knowledge, alongside scientific data, can guide more thoughtful responses. And let’s not forget the fishers themselves—many are already adapting, changing gear or targeting new species. Supporting them with clear info and fair policies is crucial.

Ultimately, managing species on the move is like playing chess on a board that’s constantly changing shape. It takes collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to rethink old ways. But with the right mix of monitoring, flexible rules, and community input, we can stay ahead of the game—and keep our oceans thriving for generations to come.