The Long Hot Summer: Getting Ahead of the Heatwave

IMAS/CMS special online webinar series

9.10am - 10am every morning Monday 11^th December to Friday 15^th

Australia's southeast is currently up to 4 degrees warmer than expected, with a projected marine heatwave that is expected to be off the scale, raising the prospect of significant impacts to conservation, fishing and aquaculture. This necessitates extensive climate-related communications and sharing of knowledge from (and among) industry, government, researchers, NGO’s and others. Whilst communication is necessary, it unfortunately also raises legitimate concerns regarding increasing anxiety of individuals. Current research suggests that communication regarding climate extreme events needs to include examples of tangible actions that people can do that are constructive and helpful – this can help people feel like they have a degree of agency and are empowered.

Format: Short 5-15 min synthesis talks followed by Q & A facilitated by a Chair

Audience: Resource managers, NGO’s, industry groups, tourism operators, marine students, recreational users and all researchers working in the broader marine sector.

Intention: Share knowledge to raise awareness of current and projected marine conditions among the marine community, and actions underway to support preparedness in light of the projected heatwave. Engage in thinking and information sharing to support adaptation and the harnessing of opportunities to maximise information generation to facilitate future heatwave responses.  Each session will end by highlighting things we can do to either minimise harm or facilitate learning that might better support our responses to future warming or heatwave-related events.   

Please note that each day has a unique Zoom link

Monday 11^th December: Hot seas ahead: current and projected ocean and coastal conditions for Tasmania

Ocean and coastal changes and future projections - Chaired by Prof Mary-Anne Lea

• Marine heatwaves - what’s happening & what can we expect? – Prof Neil Holbrook
• How is the Integrated Marine Observing System adapting for the heatwave? – Prof Chari Pattiaratchi (UWA)
• Where to access user-friendly observation and forecast information about ocean conditions? – Dr Ed Doddridge
• Audience Q & A (20 mins)
• Zoom link: https://utas.zoom.us/j/85693236249

Tuesday 12th December: Turning up the temperature - impacts on the ecosystem

Biological & ecological changes associated with warming & heatwaves – Chaired by Assoc Prof Kerrie Swadling

• Heatwaves and algal blooms – Prof Gustaaf Hallegraeff
• Kelp - Help is on the way! – Dr Cayne Layton
• Seabirds and the heatwave – Dr Lauren Roman
• Threatened species – heatwave risks and what can we do to reduce these? – Assoc Prof Neville Barrett
• Audience Q & A (20 mins)
• Zoom link: https://utas.zoom.us/j/88470915844

Wednesday 13th December: From the ocean to the plate - impacts & hot tips for seafood

Implications for fisheries & aquaculture – Chaired by Dr Katie Creswell

• Heat stress impacts on abalone – Dr Jaime McAllister
• Heatwave concerns and best practice for healthy lobsters – Assoc Prof Quinn Fitzgibbon
• Aquaculture feed & husbandry – Dr Daniel Pountney
• Tips for the harvest and supply of food-safe seafood – Dr Andreas Seger
• Audience Q & A (20 mins)
• Zoom link: https://utas.zoom.us/j/88098117236

Thursday 14^th December: Heatwave help - what action is happening & what else can we do?

Risks and hazards, preparedness – Chaired by Dr Emily Ogier

• Fisheries research to support preparedness for climate change – Alyssa Marshell
• The palawa heatwave response plan – Zoe Cozens & Jamie Graham-Blair
• The NRE Tasmania Marine Heatwave Response plan – Frances Seaborn
• Preparing the seafood sector – Julian Harrington
• Audience Q & A (20 mins)
• Zoom link: https://utas.zoom.us/j/87811620992

Friday 15th December: Communicating climate with authenticity to drive action (& minimise anxiety!)

What to communicate and how - Chaired by Prof Gretta Pecl

• The psychology of distrust in science – Assoc Prof Matt Palmer
• Communicating across polarised audiences – Dr Chloe Lucas
• Communicating to drive action and inspire hope – Dr Gabi Mocatta
• Audience Q & A (20 mins)
• Zoom link: https://utas.zoom.us/j/83210649179