Warm Reception For Tropical Guests
Newcastle Herald
Saturday July 26, 2008
THE Hunter coastline's average winter sea temperatures have risen by more than a degree in 20 years, new research shows.
The warmer water is drawing juvenile fish species rarely seen in the region to take up residence in increasing numbers.Professor David Booth from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and the University of Technology said that among the species becoming more common were the sergeant major and butterfly fish. "It's not that these fish weren't ever found this far south but it was unusual that they survived the winter," Professor Booth said."Now they are and their numbers appear to be growing."Among the most significant finds is the raccoon butterfly fish, which to date has rarely been recorded south of the Hunter.Predictions of further sea surface temperature rises are likely to drive cooler water fish further south."This is likely to have significant implications for commercial fishing which is traditionally sustained by cooler water fish," Professor Booth said.An analysis of sea surface temperatures at Port Stephens between 1985 and 2006 found the average winter water temperature increased by about one degree."Historical data suggest temperature increases in the area and other areas along the NSW coastline since 1925," Professor Booth said."If people are aware of other unusual fish occurring around Port Stephens we'd love to hear about them."
© 2008 Newcastle Herald
