Presenter: Dr Curtis Champion

Projections of stronger and longer-lasting marine heatwaves underscore the emerging need for formalised marine heatwave response plans to guide response actions at all stages of these extreme events. Four key components of globally applicable marine heatwave response plans developed for New South Wales ecosystems and fisheries will be presented, including an early warning system, a response level assessment, response actions and a communication strategy. Oceanographic monitoring resources, response actions and communication options that support each of these components will be described through case-study applications. These novel marine heatwave response plans, along with insights gained through their development and application, contribute to capacity being developed by researchers and managers across numerous jurisdictions facing the emerging need to respond to climate-driven environmental extremes.

Biography:

Curtis is a Senior Research Scientist with NSW Fisheries and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Southern Cross University. He holds a PhD in fisheries oceanography and climate change ecology from the University of Tasmania. His main areas of research are the effects of climate change on the distribution of marine life, climate vulnerability assessments for fisheries, ecosystems and marine protected areas, and the development of strategic response plans for extreme environmental events, such as marine heatwaves.