The system, developed by scientists from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology between 2020 and 2025, can provide up to four months’ warning of marine heatwave conditions. The forecasts are intended to help conservation managers, marine industries and coastal communities prepare response plans before extreme ocean temperatures arrive.
Marine heatwaves can contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt fisheries, aquaculture, wildlife and coastal economies. For Far North Queensland, earlier warning has clear relevance to reef management and tourism planning, although a forecast indicates elevated risk rather than guaranteeing a particular local impact.
CSIRO said the outlooks have been publicly available through the Bureau since the 2025–26 summer season, and most Australian states have developed response plans linked to the forecasts. The research team was recognised for scientific rigour, practical impact and international interest in the forecasting approach.
Illustration disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated editorial illustration. It is not a photograph of the named scientists, the award ceremony or a specific monitoring centre.
