Consequences: Observed decline in giant kelp in Tasmania since 1990, with less than 10% remaining by 2011 due to ocean warming. Extensive loss of kelp, -140,187 hectares across Australia, loss of bull kelp in southern New Zealand, replaced by the introduced kelp following the 2017/2018 marine heatwave. Further loss of native kelp is projected with warming oceans. Hazards: Ocean warming and marine heatwave events Exposure: Coastal waters around Australia and New Zealand Vulnerability: Giant kelp are already federally listed in Australia as an endangered marine community type. In Australia, kelp forests are vulnerable to nutrient-poor East Australian Current waters pushing further south, warming waters and increased herbivory from range-extending species. Adaptation options: Minimising other stressors, local restoration and transplantation of heat-tolerant phenotypes.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report