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Marine heatwave returns


Close-up of kelp bed and scientists and


Marine heatwave conditions have returned to our shores.

We currently have moderate marine heatwave conditions off most of NSW with some small areas of strong conditions off Sydney.

Our team has been out on the water monitoring how these warmer waters are impacting cold water species, like kelp.

It’s concerning for cold water species like kelp forests at the edge of their range, and the Mid North Coast of NSW might be one area affected.

Marine heatwaves, or prolonged periods of significantly warmer water, can adversely affect marine habitats and lead to kelp dieback, coral bleaching and other impacts.

Check out our @nsw_marineestate Instagram page to keep up-to-date with alerts.

This work is part of the DPI Fisheries Climate change monitoring project funded via the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.


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