MHWs RF Webinar No. 8 by Alistair Hobday
The CLIVAR Research Focus on Marine Heatwaves in the global Webinar Series presents:
"With the arrival of another El Niño, are we better prepared for stronger marine heatwaves?"
Alistar Hobday - CSIRO Environment
When? September 9, 2026 23:00 UTC
Abstract:
Since a call ahead of the 2023-24 El Niño to strengthen preparedness for anticipated marine heatwaves (MHWs) (Hobday et al. 2023), there has been a clear progression from conceptual guidance to operational and applied responses. Seasonal MHW forecasts are now delivered by several nations, and institutional briefings translate these forecasts into actionable information for stakeholders. Forecasting has supported the development of regional and industry MHW response plans, and real-time observing during events. Awareness has translated into action, with evidence of proactive planning and adaptation across multiple sectors. Although levels of MHW preparedness remain varied, the overall trajectory reflects a move from understanding risk to employing practical, forecast-informed decision-making and response frameworks. With an El Niño now declared (July 2026) and what looks set to be the warmest ocean year on record, efforts in recent years have improved MHW preparedness.
Reference
Hobday, A. J., M. T. Burrows, K. Filbee-Dexter, N. J. Holbrook, A. S. Gupta, D. A. Smale, K. E. Smith, M. S. Thomsen and T. Wernberg (2023). With the arrival of El Niño, prepare for stronger marine heatwaves. Nature 621: 38-41 - https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-41023-02730-41582.
Bio
Alistair works in CSIRO’s Integrated Ocean Stewardship Program where his research projects have included documenting the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity and fishery resources, and developing, prioritising and testing adaptation options to underpin sustainable use and conservation into the future. Alistair co-founded the International Marine Heatwaves Group and the Oceania Ecological Forecasting Initiative. He recently co-led the development of one of the world’s first seasonal marine heatwave forecast systems, which are helping decision makers manage risk in the Blue Economy. In 2018 he received the Australia Society for Fish Biology’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2023 he was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).
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