Australia Rolls Out Forecasting System to Tackle Marine Heatwaves

(MENAFN) Australia has unveiled a new forecasting system designed to predict marine heatwave events, providing up to three months' early warning for extreme ocean temperatures and their associated environmental impacts.

The innovative forecasts, announced by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization), aim to mitigate the ecological damage caused by marine heatwaves, such as large-scale coral bleaching, widespread fish deaths, and harmful algal blooms. These impacts were notably observed during the 2024-25 period, according to a statement from CSIRO on Tuesday.

In collaboration with the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO scientists have tested seasonal forecasting methods under the Marine Heatwave Prediction Project. This initiative is designed to help researchers and government bodies prepare for potential marine heatwaves, the release highlighted.

During the 2024-25 heatwave season, extreme temperatures extended into deep ocean layers, complicating predictions. In response, Australia is ramping up monitoring efforts through the use of moorings, gliders, and fishing-vessel sensors. This enhanced tracking will improve the accuracy of predictions, focusing on how heat spreads through the oceans—a crucial factor for forecasting prolonged heatwaves and understanding their ecological consequences.

"It's really important to understand how heat is distributed in the ocean. It's that amount of heat that does things like supercharge cyclones, or slow ocean mixing which can lead to heatwaves lasting for an extended period of time," explained Alistair Hobday, chief research scientist at CSIRO.

These forecasts represent a shift toward proactive management of marine heatwaves, allowing industries and environmental groups to better prepare for off-season impacts. Hobday emphasized the significance of this approach, calling marine heatwaves a "stress test" for future oceans and underscoring the importance of early-warning systems and coordinated responses to safeguard Australia's coastlines from escalating climate threats.

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