Most shallow-water reef species declined over past 10 years, Australia-wide study finds

Weedy sea dragon numbers more than halved during the study. (Getty Images: wildestanimal)

The majority of shallow-water reef species living around Australia's coastlines have declined in number over the last 10 years, and scientists predict extinctions will follow.

In what appears to be a clear signature of climate change, population declines are disproportionately impacting cool-water species. On the flip-side, some warmer-water species have expanded their range.