Satellite images taken over three decades by IMAS show the decline of Tasmania's once extensive giant kelp forests.
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The satellite images, taken between 1986 and 2015, show the extent of the climate-driven kelp decline better than previous research based on limited aerial photography.
The study, led by IMAS honours student Claire Butler and published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series, found that the giant kelp stretched more than 400 hectares in the late 1990s but plunged to less than 10 hectares by 2015.
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"Reduced nitrogen, in particular, impairs giant kelp growth, reproduction, early development and recruitment," she said.
"Although recent studies have found that young giant kelp are vulnerable to the effects of temperature even when nutrients are abundant."
Co-author professor Craig Johnson said the study shows how local conditions can interact with climate change.
"The East Coast of Tasmania is a hotspot for oceanographic change in response to climate change, with waters warming three to four times the global average due largely to the relatively recent increased influence of the EAC."
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On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
