CSIRO report highlights need for more marine protection

Rebecca Hubbard Environment Tasmania

“This report highlights the heightened sensitivity of our marine environment and industries to climate change impacts, and the need to build as much protection into our marine ecosystems as possible,”
ENVIRONMENT TASMANIA INC.

Media Release

CSIRO report highlights need

for more marine protection

Tuesday 7 October

The CSIRO report “Implications of climate change for Australian fisheries and aquaculture – a preliminary assessment” has highlighted the need for Tasmania to increase marine protection if we are to withstand impacts from worsening climate change.

“This report highlights the heightened sensitivity of our marine environment and industries to climate change impacts, and the need to build as much protection into our marine ecosystems as possible,” said Rebecca Hubbard, Marine Campaigner with Environment Tasmania.

“Climate change impacts on our marine environment will be huge environmentally, socially and economically. Temperature rise, sea level rise and ocean acidity will all put additional pressure on our marine wildlife and key fisheries.

“For example, temperature rise will advance the invasion of the long-spine urchin down the east coast that is already wiping out our kelp forests and habitat for key species such as rock lobster.

“Fully protected marine national parks, such as that at Maria Island, have been proven to increase the resilience and capacity of our marine ecosystems to withstand pressure from impacts we can’t directly control, such as invasion from marine pests and climate change.

“CSIRO’s report is a timely reminder that we need more than fisheries management and Minister Llewellyn’s paper parks to protect our marine environment and the industries that depend on it. Fully protected marine national parks are crucial to securing the health of our marine environment for our kids,” concluded Ms Hubbard.

For more information:

Rebecca Hubbard, Environment Tasmania