The emerging need for marine heatwave response plans: A globally relevant example from New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Projections of stronger and longer-lasting marine heatwaves underscore the emerging need for formalised marine heatwaves response plans to guide response actions at all stages of these extreme events. We present a globally applicable marine heatwave response plan that encompasses four key components, including an early warning system, a response level assessment, response actions and a communication strategy. These overarching components have demonstrated utility for responding to the effects of climate extremes on living marine systems (e.g. coral bleaching), yet monitoring resources and methods, response actions and communications options have not been previously tailored for responding to marine heatwaves. This novel marine heatwave response plan, along with insights gained through its development in response to the anonymously warm 2023/24 Austral summer, contributes to capacity being developed by researchers and managers across numerous jurisdictions facing the emerging need to respond to these climate extremes.