Redmap May newsletter 2015
This edition reviews Redmap's community observations, including the Top 3 sightings per state. Also, check out the interviews with Redmap members and other marine news! Read the May newsletter.
Top 3 sightings per state and other Redmap data
Australian fishers, divers and beachcombers have shared on Redmap more than 1270 sightings of marine life they considered uncommon to their local seas. More than a quarter of the confirmed sightings were out of their usual home range; and many more were valuable observations of elusive or poorly-documented species. And, divers appeared to be the most enthusiastic reporters to Redmap! Here is a snapshot of Redmap's citizen science data, including …
What the FISH? Catching ‘mainland’ fish in Tasmania
A changing climate and strengthening East Australian Current mean the east coast of Tasmania is a ‘hotspot’, with seas warming almost four times the global average. So it’s no surprise that warmer-water fish are turning up further south than usual. And often to the delight of Tassie fishers!
Is Climate Change Making Animals Smaller?
Sea life near volcanic seeps may offer clues as to how animals will adapt to global warming and ocean acidification, writes the New Yorker. Read the full story here.
Kelp beds transplanted to Tasmania to help reveal effects of climate change
In a world-first study, scientists have transplanted kelp off the coast of Tasmania to better understand the impact of climate change, writes ABC Online. The kelp, which grows from northern New South Wales around to Western Australia, provides an ecosystem for hundreds of marine species. Now it is thinning and becoming patchy because of warming waters. Read the full story here at ABC Online.
Marine changes are shared experiences
Local, lived experiences add value to the science documenting changes in our marine environments, says researcher Gretta Pecl, supporting better decisions for the future of our fisheries. Read about Dr Pecl's research, life, and Redmap on the FRDC website.
Q&As: The Science of Climate Change
Want to know more about climate change but not sure where to start looking for info? Then this easy-to-read booklet (by the Australian Academy of Science) answers many questions surrounding climate change in Australia. Get some answers here!
First national survey of people’s willingness to assist marine science
A new survey gauges the public's willingness to volunteer for marine science. The Marine Exchanges Survey is an Australian-first and aims to harness the power of ‘citizen science’. Observations from ocean users and beachgoers have enormous potential to increase knowledge about marine species along Australia’s coastal regions.
Survey: public involvement in marine research (and your chance to win!)
Marine ExChange are running a national survey of anyone who loves to fish, dive, boat, sail or just walk along the beach. Do the 2015 National Survey of Marine Users to be in the draw for thousands of dollars of great prizes! The survey will help researchers understand the if, how and why of public involvement in marine research. For more information, and to do the survey, click here.
Top 10 Oddest Sightings of 2014
Steven 'Sealberg', a shark with a naughty nickname, and a wine bottle all made it onto Redmap’s annual Top 10 Oddest Sightings. This list is completely subjective. And mainly based on strange-looking species, odd photos or sightings with great stories behind them...
