Locations: Shark Bay, WA and Kingston, Tasmania
Indigenous lead: Bianca McNeair, Malgana Traditional Owner
Science lead: Neil Holbrook, University of Tasmania
Team members: Andrew Ronan, Nykita McNeair, and Ramona Dalla Pozza, University of Tasmania
What we’re doing
This case study examines the impact of marine heatwaves on ecosystems, marine species and Indigenous fishing practices. It integrates traditional knowledge with marine science to understand changes in Sea Country.
Why it matters
Marine heatwaves pose an increasing risk to biodiversity and livelihoods. Understanding the current and future impacts will support cultural resilience and sustainable marine management.
What we’ve found
Changes
- Rising ocean temperatures under climate change
- Prolonged warm ocean temperature extremes (known as marine heatwaves)
- More frequent and intense marine heatwaves as climate changes
Impacts
- Loss of culturally significant species, marine habitats and biodiversity
- Disruption to cultural practices, harvesting, and livelihoods
- Impacts on connection to Sea Country
- Marine ecosystem changes, including seagrass loss, kelp decline and collapse, biodiversity loss, increased invasive
species and species shifts
Case study focus
- Understand marine heatwaves impacts on Sea Country, culture, and communities
- Explore ecosystem changes, including seagrass loss, kelp decline, and species shifts
- Bring First Nations knowledge and climate science together, including Elders, Indigenous Rangers and researchers
- Support adaptation and management through on-Country engagement and learning
- Strengthen Indigenous voices and leadership in climate policy, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Next steps
- Continue on-Country visits
- Share observations of ecosystem and cultural changes
- Strengthen relationships and community involvement
- Explore future Indigenous-led research and adaptation responses
- Inform climate policy and IPCC reporting
Back to Project 5.10 Indigenous-led literature and products to inform national and international processes on climate action