... species. For example, ecological drivers such as fire and precipitation play an important role in shaping distinct southern terrestrial ecosystems. This paper summarizes observed impacts of climate change on Australian species, both terrestrial and marine, identifies key knowledge gaps, and provides...

... to cause a reduction in the pH of the surface ocean from 8.1 to 7.7 units and a reduction in carbonate ion (CO 3 2- ) concentration required for calcifying marine organisms. Of growing concern is the potential impact that this change in ocean chemistry will have on marine and estuarine organisms...

... Sydney has a speciose but little studied marine ichthyofauna, comprising elements of both tropical and warm/cool temperate origins. Recent surveys suggest that around 600 species have been found in Sydney's coastal waters, some of which are tropical visitors or cold-temperate vagrants. Here I...

... Numerous marine introductions into Australian waters have occurred and will continue to occur. The mechanisms by which they occurred and the difficulties of eradication once they have become established are discussed. Introduced species are often categorised as being either a pest or cryptogenic...

... Australia's population and major cities are concentrated along the coastal fringes, mostly on estuaries. As these cities developed, extensive clearing of estuarine/marine wetlands occurred and often all that remains today are isolated stands of wetlands. Their importance is discussed in terms...

... This article examines Australia's implementation of a variety of international conventions dealing with marine conservation. The Conventions selected for case study are the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 1973, the Convention on Wetlands...

... There has been much discussion about the difference between marine and terrestrial systems and appropriateness of applying terrestrial conservation methods to marine systems. To investigate these issues, 43 criteria were assessed for magnitude of difference and implications for conservation...

... The capacity of human activities to have significant impact on marine environments was not regarded as a serious issue until the middle of the 20th century. It is now regarded as a matter of increasing urgency but the evolution of appropriate management measures presents several challenges...

... The usefulness of listing individual marine species under Threatened Species legislation is discussed with respect to the characteristics of the marine environment and its biota. It is suggested that, apart from ‘flagship species’, this is not a useful strategy to follow. Instead, habitats need...

... Debate surrounding the effectiveness, or otherwise, of marine reserves has not been well informed by data. However, in areas where marine reserves have been established for some time, valuable information is now becoming available. New Zealand's no-take marine reserves have demonstrated large...

... The use of marine protected areas as a major tool in marine conservation is now accepted throughout much of the world. New South Wales is committed to a process of establishing a comprehensive system of marine protected areas for all marine waters under its jurisdiction. The current status...