Preparing fisheries for climate change Identifying adaptation options for four key fisheries in South Eastern Australia

This project was developed using the results of a formal assessment of the relative risk to climate change impacts on key fisheries species of south east Australia. Species selected as case studies in this project were identified as being at high (rock lobster, abalone, blue grenadier) or medium (snapper) risk to climate change impacts and having high commercial value and/or recreational importance. The case study species were also identified as being likely to provide useful insights into how fisheries can adapt to changes in productivity (rock lobster) and/or distribution (snapper). Two species (rock lobster and abalone) are considered potential ecological indicators for rocky reefs, whereas snapper is an important component of coastal fish assemblages and blue grenadier occurs further offshore. The goal of the project was to identify
adaptation options to enhance the profitability of commercial fisheries and maximise opportunities for participation in recreational fishing.