Climate change monitoring

Why is this project important?

Scientists are studying the effects of climate change on NSW's rocky reef marine habitats.

The marine scientists are looking for changes to the:

• size and spread of kelp and coral habitats
• diversity of fish populations
• distribution of sea urchins.

The scientists are using underwater cameras and diving surveys to check the health of more than 1,000km of NSW coastline.

This work will identify any changes to the health of NSW's rocky reef ecosystems.

What have we achieved so far?

Update March to June 2024

A Marine Heatwave Action Plan has been created to address marine heatwaves and their impact on kelp survival and productivity.

This action plan is awaiting publication.

For more information about our achievements in Marine Estate Management Strategy, please visit our report page.

Eden, Batemans Bay, Sydney, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Evans Head, Ballina, Brunswick Heads, Tweed Heads

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

• Environmental drivers and indicators of change in habitat and fish assemblages within a climate change hotspot
• Costs and benefits of towed videos and remotely operated vehicles for sampling shallow reef habitats and fish