Rhys Harrison 9069-4287
Good report, Rhys
10/10
Long-term shifts in abundance and distribution of a
temperate fish fauna: a response to climate change and
fishing practices.
Last, P., White, W., Gledhill, D., Hobday, A., Brown, R., Graham, E. and Peci, G., Article first published
online: 23 JUL 2010. DOI: 10.1111/j.1466-8238.2010.00575.x. Global Ecology and Biogeography, Volume
20, Issue 1, pages 58–72, January 2011. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Last, P. is with the Climate Adaptation Flagship, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, GPO Box
1538, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia and the Wealth from Oceans Flagship, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric
Research, GPO Box 1538, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia. White, W. is with the Climate Adaptation Flagship,
CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, GPO Box 1538, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia and the Wealth
from Oceans Flagship, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, GPO Box 1538, Hobart TAS 7001,
Australia. Gledhill, D. is with the Climate Adaptation Flagship, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research,
GPO Box 1538, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia and the Wealth from Oceans Flagship, CSIRO Marine and
Atmospheric Research, GPO Box 1538, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia. Hobday, A. is with the Climate
Adaptation Flagship, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, GPO Box 1538, Hobart TAS 7001,
Australia and the Wealth from Oceans Flagship, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, GPO Box
1538, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia. Brown, R. is with the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute,
Private Bag 49, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia. Graham, E. is with the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries
Institute, Private Bag 49, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia. Peci, G. is with the Tasmanian Aquaculture and
Fisheries Institute, Private Bag 49, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia.
Looking at fish fauna in South-eastern Australia, how have the recent changes in physical marine
environment impacted the biota and whether it is due to influences of climate as well as human
interference.
Impacts on biota have been recorded over time in various marine environments. They are often
linked to anthropogenic factors such as fishing, invasive species, pollution and climate change. Global
warming has been linked to significant changes in aquatic communities. This indicates that these
ecosystems are extremely sensitive to climate change.
Using a synthesized temporal reconstruction of the coastal ichthyofauna of mainland Tasmania
and the surrounding waters from historical documents, spearfishing competition results, field surveys,
commercial fishing records, underwater observations and photographic records enabled a large
overview of the distribution and composition of species during the studied time period (See Fig 2. For
the area studied).
Rhys Harrison 9069-4287
Using the data collected a list of Tasmanian fisheries showing temporal shifts in their abundance or
distribution was compiled (See Table 1.). This data from 1800’s to present was then compared and
examined to determine the shifts in the distribution of the 61 species of coastal fish.
Approximately 30% on the inshore fish families in this region showed massive distributional
shifts indicated by influences of climate (Forty-five species from twenty-seven families.) Since the 1800’s
Rhys Harrison 9069-4287
9 species from 7 families were seen to have much longer-term changes most likely due to anthropogenic
factors, including but not exclusively over fishing and habitat alteration. Large predatory reef fishes that
have become extinct in this region are more than likely to be due to poor fishing practices. The major
changes in the distribution of Tasmanian fishes are thought to correspond with Global Warming.
The research conducted has a most definite and valid point that biota will be affected by a
Global Climate change through Global warming. However there was no strong conclusion made, but
indeed the patterns seem to correlate. I do believe Global Warming is affecting ocean biota and this is a
good indication of so. I do think it’s a shame that skeptics will dismiss this conclusion as it does not
contain a concrete answer to whether this is in fact what’s happening. Historical records can always hold
some doubt to whether what was recorded was accurate and precise. Also there were no exact methods
of data collection specified for the present or the equipment used which may leave some questions to
be answered. Time is also lacking in their study. I feel myself wanting more specific details from this
implemented research. At the end of reviewing this article I have no doubt that Global Warming will
affect what is stated but this may just be due to my previous knowledge and bias to believing in the
theory of Global Warming.
Global Warming is an extremely difficult subject. I have found only compelling arguments for its
case, and this is one of them. Skeptics may say it’s not happening but I am yet to find a peer reviewed
scientific article to back their theory. I have therefore learned that it is currently affecting biota and
ecosystems all around us, whether protected by the thermal buffer of the ocean or exposed on land. It’s
happening as we speak and actions need to be taken immediately, whether it be changing a light bulb,
walking that extra mile or recycling that can, we have to do something and it always starts at home. This
editorializing is not necessary, but I do appreciate your thinking.