Overfishing lowers kelp beds’ ability to recover from major climate-related changes

Eastern Tasmania's coastal waters are warming at approximately four times the global ocean warming average.

• The long-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) is extending its range and causing severe overgrazing of Tasmanian kelp beds.
• This overgrazing is linked to significant losses in biodiversity and the degradation of rocky reef ecosystem services.
• Heavy fishing of reef-based predators, such as the spiny lobster (Jasus edwardsii), has diminished the resilience of kelp beds.
• Reduced predator populations may increase the likelihood of a catastrophic shift to sea urchin barrens due to climate change impacts.
• Interactions between climate change and human-induced stressors can worsen ecosystem responses and hinder adaptability.

Simplified