In September, Dr Curtis Champion, a scientist from DPIRD Fisheries, shared insights on climate change and citizen science.
His presentation was titled ‘Marine species on the move: How climate change is affecting the distribution of life in the ocean (and how you can help!)’.
This event was part of the Marine Discovery Series at the Solitary Islands Aquarium in Coffs Harbour.
Dr Champion showcased findings from the Marine Estate Management Strategy’s Climate change citizen science project.
“Nearly half of the planet’s species are shifting where they live to follow their preferred environmental conditions in a changing climate,” he said.
These ‘species on the move’ are clear indicators of climate change, with significant implications for both ecosystems and human well-being.
“These shifts offer valuable opportunities to engage the public in understanding the effects of climate change on our local environments,” Dr Champion said.
His presentation provided a detailed overview of how climate change is affecting the distribution of marine plants and animals, particularly within the NSW marine estate.
Dr Champion encouraged the audience to get involved with the Redmap project.
“This initiative invites the public to help detect marine ‘species on the move’ through citizen science,” he said.
At the end of the event, participants received NSW marine climate change report cards to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on local marine life.
