S3 E16: Fish out of their (Usual) Waters: Why Marine Life are Moving Poleward episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 8, 2026 · 41 MIN

S3 E16: Fish out of their (Usual) Waters: Why Marine Life are Moving Poleward

from Word on the Reef · host Tanya Murphy

Scientists have discovered that marine species are migrating away from the equator at a rate of 40 to 70 kilometres per decade to get to cooler waters as climate change heats up our ocean.But far from being a viable escape plan, this mass poleward relocation of marine life is opening up a sea of problems.On this week's episode of Word on the Reef, hosts Tanya Murphy and Brett Goodban are joined by James Cook University's Professor Jan Strugnell for a deep dive into climate-driven marine species redistribution on the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.Thumbnail Image: A spine-cheeked anemonefish, photographed by Tanya Murphy at Ellison Reef, near Mission Beach - 140 kilometres south of its usual range. Submitting images like this to the Redmap project can help scientists understand how species distribution is changing.For more info and to submit sightings: www.redmap.org.auSupport the showHelp Keep Word on the Reef Afloat!Please take 2 minutes to fill out our Word on the Reef Listener Survey to help us apply for funding for the show!PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National StatementAustralian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate ChangeGreenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!WWF Australia: Protect NatureRising Tide: ...

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 8, 2026

Scientists have discovered that marine species are migrating away from the equator at a rate of 40 to 70 kilometres per decade to get to cooler waters as climate change heats up our ocean. But far from being a viable escape plan, this mass poleward relocation of marine life is opening up a sea of problems. On this week's episode of Word on the Reef, hosts Tanya Murphy and Brett Goodban are joined by James Cook University's Professor Jan Strugnell for a deep dive into climate-driven marine spe...

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S3 E16: Fish out of their (Usual) Waters: Why Marine Life are Moving Poleward

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Scientists have discovered that marine species are migrating away from the equator at a rate of 40 to 70 kilometres per decade to get to cooler waters as climate change heats up our ocean.But far from being a viable escape plan, this mass poleward...

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