Thursday, April 9, 2015
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pacific
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Many iconic marine species, such as seabirds, marine mammals and reptiles are recovering from past harvesting activities, and, although widely protected, the recovery and continued persistence of many species and populations remains under threat from present-day anthropogenic activities. Management actions, accordingly, tend to focus on reducing existing demonstrated stressors. However, evidence is accumulating that some species will be negatively impacted in the future by climate change. Recent work shows that the endemic Tasmanian shy albatross is likely to be adversely effected by projected change in environmental conditions under climate change scenarios. Furthermore, modelling shows that the elimination of the principal threat to shy albatross populations in the present day - fisheries bycatch - would not be sufficient to reverse projected population declines. On this month's webinar, we present a case study in which we identify, evaluate and test intervention options for disease control in preparation for future predicted climate change impacts. We describe the process of developing and implementing this approach and report results for this intervention designed to offset the projected effects of climate change on an iconic species.

Dr Alistair Hobday leads CSIRO's Marine Climate Impacts and Adaptation research, is co-chair of the international CLIOTOP (Climate Impacts on Top Ocean Predators) program, and contributed to the IPCC 4th and 5th assessment Australasia chapters, covering fisheries, oceanic and coastal systems. Much of his current research focuses on investigating the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity and resources, and developing, prioritising and testing adaptation options to underpin sustainable use and conservation into the future.

About the Webinar Series
This monthly climate change webinar series is presented by the NPS Climate Change Response Program. The purpose of the series is to connect NPS employees, volunteers, and partners with scientists and experts in the field of climate change research. The webinar series is a Service-wide forum where researchers can share credible, up-to-date information and research materials about the impacts of changing climate in national parks and provide participants the opportunity to engage with them in discussion.

Presentations begin at 2 PM EST, on the second Thursday of the month, and last about 90 minutes. They are viewed by logging into GoToWebinar on-line at the time of the presentation. Audio is available via a call-in number (toll charges apply) or through your computer’s speakers (free, but may be limited by connection speed).

For more information about this webinar series contact: