Climate Impacts & Adaptation

We work with Australian and International managers, government agencies and industry to proactively respond and adapt to climate change through the delivery of climate adaptation tools, advanced forecasting, and innovative climate-resilient management strategies.

Australia’s oceans are rapidly changing as the climate becomes warmer and more variable.

The effects of past and present human activities have committed the world to at least a further 0.5-1oC of average warming, with further changes across all ocean processes expected. 

Over the next twenty years Australia’s marine ecosystems are expected to exhibit some of the largest climate-driven changes in the Southern Hemisphere.  These changes will extend from the ecosystems to the local communities and seafood businesses. 

Navigating a sustainable path forward requires close collaboration between science, industry, policy makers and communities. This begins with making sure information on the implications and impacts of climate change for Australian marine systems is readily accessible, fit for purpose and easily interpretable and usable. Such access will allow for all concerned to plan their operations, to avoid or mitigate negative impacts, and to make the most of new opportunities that arise.

Related Research

Investigating the future impacts of climate change on Torres Strait fisheries

We're embarking on a new research project to model the future risks of climate change on key fisheries in the Torres Strait.

Measuring Adaptation to a Rapidly Changing Environment – Community of Practice Project

Understanding the ability of organisms, communities and ecosystems to adapt to a rapidly changing environment will be essential to predicting […]

Fisheries Climate Adaptation Handbook

As ecosystems change it can be helpful to understand what change has already happened, what change is expected and how you might adapt. The CSIRO collaborated with researchers, fisheries managers and fishers from around Australia to create a handbook that sets out the steps for what kind of change is occurring in an ecosystem and how fisheries and management could be modified to cope.

Marine Heatwaves

Our work seeks to understand the drivers and impacts of marine heatwaves, to develop prediction systems for marine heatwaves, and to work with marine stakeholders to minimise the impact of these extreme events

Forecasting Southern Bluefin Tuna Habitat in the Great Australian Bight

Investigating habitat preferences of southern bluefin tuna (SBT) in the Great Australian Bight (GAB) based on historical archival tag, catch and aerial survey data, and to provide forecasts of habitat distribution.

Other Resources

Key Contact

Dr Eva Plaganyi-Lloyd

Senior Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Environment