Extreme weather is becoming the new normal, disrupting human communities across the globe.

It is also affecting wildlife populations in complex and increasingly concerning ways.

Our new research shows extreme heat, heavy rain and storm surges are affecting seals and seabirds during a critical period of their development – as pups and chicks.

An environment under pressure

Research shows the marine waters of southeast Australia are warming several times faster than the global average. Meanwhile, marine heatwaves, heavy rainfall and storms are becoming more frequent and severe.

These kinds of extreme weather are already threatening many marine predator species. Marine predators that breed on land – such as seals and seabirds – are especially exposed because they rely on both the ocean and land to find food and raise their young.

In our study, we analysed long-term monitoring data from 14 breeding colonies – including six Australian fur seal, five short-tailed shearwater and three shy albatross colonies – across Tasmania and Bass Strait.

We also examined daily weather and ocean records, and tested 19 types of extreme weather using various measures — including the number of warm, cool, and wet days a colony experienced. This was to identify which weather events had the strongest impacts on breeding success, and when those effects occurred.

Our study shows extreme weather is reducing the breeding success of Australian fur seals,........

© The Conversation