The marine waters of Southeast (SE) Australia are one of a series of global ocean-warming hotspots. In this region, the East Australian Current is extending pole-wards, resulting in warming of ocean surface at a rate four times the global average. Many species have extended their distributions southward, with potential changes in local abundance. In addition, climatic extreme events, such as marine heatwaves, are leading to additional impacts in the region. Projections show that these changes, and the associated biological responses, are expected to continue in the next century.

In this hotspot lie important fisheries, providing the bulk of fresh fish to Melbourne and Sydney markets. The Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) has a total catch of about 20,000t and a value above $80 million. Concerns about the ecological, economic and social sustainability of this fishery raised in the public, and by scientists, over the years, have prompted a series of management responses, initiatives and regulations. In the hotspot also lies an Australian Marine Reserve network established to protect and maintain marine biodiversity and ensure the long-term ecological viability of Australia's marine ecosystems.

Observations from the Australian commercial fisheries regulator, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) suggests that the abundance of some species have declined, while others have increased. Additionally, some species that have been historically over-fished do not seem to be recovering despite reduced fishing pressure. The South East Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey will seek to answer the questions:

1. Despite reduced fishing pressure, have fish abundances in the SESSF really declined in 25 years? And if so, why?

2. Are species shifting their ranges to places outside of where they have been historically found, including to the continental slope?

3. What are the prospects for the future?

Comprehensive bio-physical and ecosystem assessments of the shelf were last conducted 25 years ago. This project will repeat the surveys to document changes, and will establish a new baseline for the continental slope. Specifically, it will help answer the broad questions:

1. How and why have fish assemblages and species abundances changed in the southeast ecosystem, and can the causes be mitigated?

2. How does this affect the multiple-use management of the region for fisheries, conservation and biodiversity and the hive of activity from oil & gas, and renewable energy sectors?

In Australia, up to 90% of critical fish habitat for coastal fisheries, including seagrass, giant kelp, saltmarsh, and shellfish reefs, has been lost or significantly degraded. Many research studies have linked habitat with fisheries productivity, with habitat loss particularly impacting juvenile nurseries. Yet despite this information fish habitat restoration is not a recognised management tool in fisheries/harvest management strategies. Given this situation there is a strong need for a cohesive partnership across all fisheries sectors to support repairing productivity through fish habitat restoration and to create a forum where key sectors concerned for or dependent on aquatic habitat condition, can discuss problems and opportunities. This project will address a number of barriers limiting the restoration of fish habitat around Australia; accessibility of data relating fisheries production to habitat condition, limited penetration of this information into management and building a forum for the key fishing sectors to consider this information and develop responses.