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Ocean climate change hotspots mapped to help fishing industry adapt

Researchers have mapped climate change hotspots in the world's oceans to allow better fisheries management and commercial fishing decisions.

Australian scientists led by Dr Gretta Pecl at the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) have developed software that they believe can help fishery managers and the fishing industry adapt.

Hotspots where ocean temperatures are increasing much faster than the global average have been identified in all oceans.

An assessment was trialled in South Australia and it ranked 35 species based on economic value, ecological importance, and recreational significance, revealing the sensitivities of commercial species to climate change causes.

Dr Pecl said the database and assesment method had been picked up and applied in Canada and the US.

She said the ocean hotspots were becoming natural laboratories to assess and review climate change impacts on fisheries.

"Climate change driven alterations in the distribution and abundance of marine species are being reported from all over the world, but particularly from these and other hotspots," she said.

"Until now we have had limited capacity to quickly detect and predict these responses, even for comparatively well-studied commercial fish species.

"Because fisheries generate income, provide nutrition, and support coastal communities, early warning of potential changes to fish stocks are very important and can provide managers and industries with the best opportunity to adapt to these changes."

Fish ranked on sensitivities

The scientists have dubbed the system the rapid assessment method, to quickly determine how different marine animals will respond to changing conditions in various areas.

A column graph takes into account 15 to 20 characteristics, including the animal's ability to move to other areas and how adaptable they are to changing water temperatures.

They are then ordered by their sensitivity to climate change.

Abalone and rock lobster top the sensitivity scale, followed by species such as snapper and yellow tail kingfish, which appear to be shifting further south and are increasing in numbers.

Researchers said there were plans for the assessment system to be used in hot spots near Madagascar this year.