Dept of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water
Australians can now check long-range marine heatwave forecasts on the Bureau of Meteorology website.
The forecasts help government, industries and communities prepare for changing ocean conditions.
Australia's ocean was the warmest on record in 2024-25, with widespread marine heatwaves. Marine heatwaves - periods of unusually high ocean temperatures - can:
- harm protected species and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs
- disrupt cultural activities, coastal communities and industries, such as fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
The forecasts are updated 3 times a week. They show:
- how likely a marine heatwave is
- how severe it could be
- where it may occur around Australia up to 4 months ahead.
Marine users and governments can use this information to inform decisions such as:
- adapting their operations
- planning surveys and conservation action
- briefing communities and industries that may be affected.
The long-range marine heatwave work is a research collaboration between the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO. It is funded by:
- our department
- the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
- CSIRO.
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