Marine wildlife fleeing to poles due to global heating as Australian oceans face ‘uncharted’ future

Marine wildlife in areas hit by temperature change, including the Great Barrier Reef, are actively seeking cooler habitats. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

Australia’s oceans will enter “uncharted territory” by 2040 due to global heating, even if significant emissions cuts occur, new research has found.

Australian researchers modelled ocean conditions under four scenarios, including current, high- and low-emissions futures. They found that in 15 years, marine ecosystems would be facing extreme heat, oxygen loss and acidity conditions.