Oral Presentation Australian Society for Fish Biology & Australian Freshwater Sciences Society Conference 2026

Preparing Australian fisheries for a summer of extremes: climate and ecosystem reporting as a tool for climate readiness (145272)

Stephanie Brodie 1 , Lauren Stevens 2 , Laura Blamey 1 , Eva Plaganyi 1 , Natalie Couchman 3 , Daniel Corrie 3 , Arani Chandrapavan 4 , Lauren Thornton 5
  1. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Queensland BioSciences Precinct (QBP), St Lucia , QLD, Australia
  2. Information and Technology Management, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research , Clayton, VIC, Australia
  3. Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Canberra, ACT, Australia
  4. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, WA, Australia
  5. Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Darwin, NT, Australia

Australia may face a challenging 2026/27 summer, with the development of El Niño conditions and record-breaking global sea surface temperature (SST) records. There is an elevated likelihood of marine heatwaves, altered rainfall patterns, low-flow freshwater conditions, and other climate-related extremes. Translating this climate information into actionable guidance for fisheries managers and industry remains a significant challenge. In response to growing demand from the seafood sector for climate-relevant information, we have developed Climate and Ecosystem Status reports for Commonwealth fisheries that integrate historical environmental conditions, ecosystem observations, and climate forecasts. The reports are designed to provide stakeholders with a fishery-specific assessment of current ecosystem conditions and emerging climate risks ahead of each fishing season.

This presentation will describe how Climate and Ecosystem Status reporting is being adapted to support preparedness for the 2026/27 summer, including the communication of El Niño risks and forecasts for marine heatwaves, rainfall anomalies, sea-level variability, and other environmental conditions relevant to fisheries and fishing operations. We will also discuss complementary engagement activities being undertaken with fishers, including pre-season climate briefings for northern Australian fisheries, climate change fact sheets for the Torres Strait, and participatory workshops with Torres Strait fishers exploring climate risks and observed environmental change. Drawing on the delivery of these engagement activities, the presentation will highlight lessons for developing actionable climate information products, incorporating fisher knowledge alongside scientific observations, and fostering proactive rather than reactive responses to climate extremes. We argue that trusted climate communication, co-designed with end users, can play a critical role in strengthening climate readiness and resilience across Australia's fisheries sector as extreme events become increasingly common.