BAMOS
Sep 2018
Article
Image: Parks Victoria
The report identifies ‘hot spots’ of likely significant impacts of
climate change. These include more frequent and extensive
inundation of low-lying areas, shoreline realignment and
changed estuaries. The report also lists ‘sentinels’: changes that
could imply thresholds or tipping points. Examples of these
include species distribution shifts and spread of invasive species
and diseases.
An 8-page summary brochure seeks to help the community
understand how our coastline is likely to change and to
stimulate discussions about how we can best prepare for, and
respond to, these changes.
The reports are available at www.vcc.vic.gov.au/news/vcc-
launches-climate-change-publication.
Climate change is moving phytoplankton southwards off
eastern Australia, with rising sea-surface temperatures and
the southward flow of the East Australian Current likely to
drive phytoplankton species further south. Warmer waters
are causing replacement of small cool-temperate species in
southern waters by subtropical and tropical species. We are
seeing the southerly migration of species of sea urchins into
eastern Victoria and new fish species in Port Phillip Bay.
Marine and coastal systems are complex and interlinked.
Scientists, managers and the community need to work together
to build our understanding of these systems and the way that
pressures including climate change are likely to affect them.
The 32-page report identifies knowledge gaps and associated
research topics that could help managers better protect our
fragile coastal resources.
Image: Victorian Climate Council
13