This edition celebrates citizen science and Redmap's community observations! Noteworthy observations include a once-in-a-Century jellyfish sighting, a giant squid and dolphinfish. Also, we need your help if you live in WA: become a Redmap WA Champion! And high school students may be interested in a new marine biology course offered by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. Read the latest Redmap news.
The jellyfish Cephea cephea was spotted only once before in Australia: almost 100 years ago in Queensland. Then 14-year old diver and marine enthusiast Georgia Poyner collected this rarely-seen jelly in southern NSW and logged her sighting on Redmap!
Some unusual catches are being logged on Redmap, writes Yvette Barry in Fishing World. Check out this dolphinfish that was caught in southern Western Australia! Read the full story here.
You’ve heard of the Great Barrier Reef – but what about its southern equivalent? The Great Southern Reef covers 71,000 square km. Its kelp forests contain unique and diverse marine life by global standards, and it contributes more than A$10 billion to Australia’s economy each year. Read the full story in The Conversation.
Researchers are hopeful the discovery of a rare shark in south-western Victoria will help them learn more about the second largest living fish. The 6.3-metre basking shark was caught by a trawler at Portland, west of Warrnambool. Read the full story at ABC News.
The contribution of tens of thousands of science enthusiasts is being hampered by professional mistrust of their work, a survey has found. But the reservations dissipate after career researchers become personally involved with the science citizenry, writes The Australian. Read the full story here.
SNOW in the Blue Mountains and near freezing temperatures in Sydney didn't scare this barra, which was spotted over the weekend sunning itself in Sydney Harbour, writes Fishing World. Barramundi are one of Redmap's 'species of interest' to look out for - like the Redmap barra sighting pictured here. However, this sighting in Sydney Harbour could have more to do with a deliberate (and irresponsible) release. Barra prefer water temps …
Citizen Science in Australia recognised today as a major contributor to our knowledge through the release of an Occasional Paper from the Office of Chief Scientist of Australia - authored by Redmap founder Gretta Pecl and three other very passionate champions of citizen science in Australia.
Marine species that already have large ranges are extending their territories fastest in response to climate change, according to new research from University of British Columbia and biodiversity experts from around the world (including IMAS scientists!). The study is one of the first comprehensive looks at how traits--other than thermal niche--impact marine animals' ability to respond to climate change. It could help improve global predictions of how different species redistribute …
Marine species that already roam far and wide throughout our oceans are extending their territories further and faster in response to climate change, according to new research involving the University of Southampton and an international team of biodiversity experts. Read more about this story here.
