Around the world, ocean warming is causing fish to move polewards in search of cooler water.

But what if you’re a tiny prawn, barramundi or rare sawfish in a northern Australian gulf and your exit southwards is blocked by land? To date, there’s been a global gap in understanding how shallow tropical gulfs and bays are responding to climate change.

These marine environments are vital for nature, fisheries and coastal communities. However, their conditions are becoming more extreme and variable due to cumulative climate change. Species are riding an environmental roller coaster, with the rapid changes hindering their recovery.

Some of the world’s most populous countries – and unique species – are in the tropics. Lessons from remote northern Australia can prove insightful.

Our new research focuses on these unique Australian ecosystems and highlights their importance and complexity. It takes into account land barriers, the monsoonal climate, influence of cyclones and massive variability in sea levels.

Northern Australian seas are unique

To help unravel the complex dynamics of these systems, our team drew on the CSIRO’s 50-year history of research in northern........

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