On 30 September, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Senior Research Scientist Dr Curtis Champion gave an invited presentation at the Australian Geography Teachers Association’s biennial national conference at Canberra’s iconic Shine Dome. 

His presentation explored climate-driven changes in where marine species live, known as range shifts, and their ecological, social and cultural implications. It also introduced classroom resources developed through the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy (MEMS) Climate Change Citizen Science project in collaboration with Redmap Australia. 

The resources include NSW report cards, a national poster and the Redmap Marine Match NSW card game. Together, they translate research and community observations into accessible ways to explore ocean warming and its effects on marine life. 

“Species on the move provide tangible examples of climate change that people can connect with through the environments they know and value,” Dr Champion said. 

The card game features 14 marine species illustrated in watercolour, with facts curated by marine scientists. Familiar games such as memory and go fish introduce players of all ages to local biodiversity, while coral trout and branching coral draw attention to species shifting south as ocean temperatures rise. 

“It was heartening to see teachers from across Australia interested in using these resources in their classrooms,” Dr Champion said. 

The response highlights the potential for NSW-developed resources to support geography teaching nationally, linking marine science with students’ understanding of environmental change. 

This project is delivered by NSW DPIRD under MEMS Initiative 3: Preparing for climate change.