Adaptation of Australia’s Marine Ecosystems to Climate Change: Using Science to Inform Conservation Management

The challenges that climate change poses for marine ecosystems are already manifesting in impacts at the species, population, and\udcommunity levels in Australia, particularly in Tasmania and tropical northern Australia. Many species and habitats are already\udunder threat as a result of human activities, and the additional pressure from climate change significantly increases the challenge\udfor marine conservation and management. Climate change impacts are expected to magnify as sea surface temperatures, ocean\udchemistry, ocean circulation, sea level, rainfall, and storm patterns continue to change this century. In particular, keystone species\udthat form the foundation of marine habitats, such as coral reefs, kelp beds, and temperate rocky reefs, are projected to pass\udthresholds with subsequent implications for communities and ecosystems. This review synthesises recent science in this field:\udthe observed impacts and responses of marine ecosystems to climate change, ecological thresholds of change, and strategies for\udmarine conservation to promote adaptation. Increasing observations of climate-related impacts on Australia’smarine ecosystems—\udboth temperate and tropical—are making adaptive management more important than ever before. Our increased understanding\udof the impacts and responses of marine ecosystems to climate change provides a focus for “no-regrets” adaptations that can be\udimplemented now and refined as knowledge improves