You have the missing piece to the puzzle. It is so easy and quick to log a sighting on Redmap QLD, and we need your help. As fishers and divers, you can let us know if you spot uncommon marine life that isn’t usually found along your stretch of coastline. By each person logging uncommon fish and marine species, we can piece together a bigger picture of what is going on in the ocean. If you include a photo and general location, we can check the species with a marine scientist, and then add it to the Redmap map. By getting information from lots of people, we can find out what is going on in the oceans, sometimes before scientists would be able to figure it out on their own.

As we get more information into the Redmap program, we can see when and where different animals are moving. This could give us some of the first information about range extensions, which may be caused by climate change and have big impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries. The earlier we know what is going on, the more we can do!

Some species that Queensland fishers and divers might spot moving south include the Meyer’s butterflyfish and the Barramundi. The Meyer’s butterflyfish is usually found in coral reef and clear lagoon habitats, and should be logged if sighted south of Bundaberg QLD. Barramundi are found in coastal waters, typically in estuary and wetland regions. A classic sportfish in Queensland, this species is typically found north of Bundaberg, so sightings of it any further south are important. These fish might begin to change their ranges as conditions change, with changing water temperatures beginning to impact their habitats and food options.

You have the chance to do something meaningful for Australia’s future. The Queensland coast is host to so many animals, and they live in a very delicate balance of conditions like water temperature, depth, and productivity. As these conditions change, the animals we find around us may change. By logging sightings on Redmap, you can help piece this puzzle together, all while having fun fishing and diving! Also, the website helps you connect with the unusual sightings from the fishing and diving world across Australia. You can find out what people are catching, see their beautiful pictures, and learn about interesting animals. It only takes a few seconds to share your neat pictures, so help us out and watch the map grow!

Log your unusual fish or catch at www.redmap.org.au/qld

 

The barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is a popular sportfish in Queensland, and is on the Redmap species watch list for sightings outside of its usual range (Photo: Tim Kusetic).