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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Continental-Scale Assessment of Climate-Driven Marine Species Range Extensions Using a Decade of Citizen Science Data
Diversity & distributions, Vol.31(4), pp.1-19
08/04/2025
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Abstract
Aim: Climate-driven extensions of species distributions have serious consequences for human wellbeing and ecosystems. The recent growth of citizen science data collection represents an underutilised resource for the early detection of marine species range extensions (i.e., expansion of species' distributions at the poleward edge) that can enable proactive conservation and management. Here, we present a framework for the systematic assessment of evidence for marine species range extensions along a continent's coastlines from observations collected by different citizen science programmes.
Location: Australia's coastal oceans.
Methods: Observations of 200 marine species on a pre-registered target list from around Australia during 2013-2022 were sourced from the citizen science databases Redmap Australia, iNaturalist, and Reef Life Survey. We established historical (circa 2012) poleward distribution limits for populations of target species and identified out-of-range (poleward of distribution limit) observations, which underwent expert validation. We assessed the likelihood that each species underwent range extension using a decision tree informed by citizen science observations and species traits.
Results: In total, 73 species (39%) were observed out-of-range, comprising 76 range extensions along different coastlines. Twenty-five range extensions were assessed as high confidence, five with medium confidence, and 46 with low confidence. Range extensions were concentrated in Australia's southwest (Western Australia) and southeast (New South Wales and Tasmania), which are influenced by warm boundary currents and considered ocean warming hotspots. The mean extent of range extensions was 318 km (max. 1250 km).
Main Conclusions: As most (91%) range extensions identified were not previously described in the scientific literature from other data, we demonstrate that opportunistic citizen science monitoring can provide early detection of marine species range extensions at the continental scale. Given the varied consequences of range-extending species for recipient ecosystems, effectively harnessing citizen science would critically enhance the capacity for needed targeted research and anticipatory management efforts.
Details
- Title
- Continental-Scale Assessment of Climate-Driven Marine Species Range Extensions Using a Decade of Citizen Science Data
- Creators
- Barrett W. Wolfe - University of TasmaniaCurtis Champion - New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (Coffs Harbour)Troy Gaston - University of Newcastle AustraliaJoshua Brown - New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentMelinda A. Coleman - New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (Coffs Harbour)Tom R. Davis - New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (Coffs Harbour)Sven Frijlink - Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Tasmania, Hobart)Thomas Hatley - Department of Primary IndustriesFreddie J. Heather - University of TasmaniaGary Jackson - New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentJohn P. Keane - University of TasmaniaShannon Kjeldsen - James Cook UniversityMark McGrouther - Australian MuseumNatalie Moltschaniwskyj - University of Newcastle AustraliaGlenn Moore - Western Australian MuseumRod Pearn - Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Tasmania, Hobart)Kate R. Rodda - Department of Primary Industries and Regions South AustraliaJan Strugnell - James Cook UniversityJemina Stuart-Smith - University of TasmaniaJohn W. Turnbull - The University of SydneySue-Ann Watson - James Cook UniversityGretta T. Pecl - University of Tasmania
- Publication Details
- Diversity & distributions, Vol.31(4), pp.1-19
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- Number of pages
- 19
- Grant note
- This work was supported by Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, Queensland Government, Queensland Citizen Science Grant. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Western Australia. NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, National Environmental Science Program. Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.
- Identifiers
- 991013276595802368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article