Download AEBR 352 Marine heatwaves and fisheries in Aotearoa New Zealand: review of potential effects on marine ecosystems and fishstocks

This research reviewed current data and information about marine heatwaves in New Zealand and their potential effects on marine ecosystems and fisheries. A marine heatwave is a prolonged period of warmer-than-usual water. Such events are increasing in frequency and intensity globally. Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa-NZ) has experienced several in the last decade, and marine heatwaves are predicted to become more frequent and intense, and to last for longer, in the future.

Scientific reports from overseas suggest that marine heatwaves could affect both individuals and populations, causing redistributions such as range expansions or contractions, and affect reproductive success and survival of early life stages. In Aotearoa-NZ, spatial redistributions have been observed but whether they were caused by environmental change is unknown or speculative. Fishes may also be impacted by marine heatwaves through ecosystem changes, in particular the distribution and abundance of prey, changes to biogenic habitat, and disease, as much as through direct physiological effects.

We reviewed published information on 32 species or species groups of importance to fisheries in Aotearoa-NZ. Documented evidence of the impact of marine heatwaves in New Zealand were only found for green lipped mussel, snapper, and king (chinook, quinnat) salmon. Some information was found for bluefin tuna, rock lobster, and snapper outside of Aotearoa-NZ. Further international studies documented impacts for some taxonomically related species of oyster, abalone (pāua), and squid.