On 14 September 2016, the Senate referred the following matters related to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 June 2017:

The current and future impacts of climate change on marine fisheries and biodiversity, including:

1. recent and projected changes in ocean temperatures, currents and chemistry associated with climate change;
2. recent and projected changes in fish stocks, marine biodiversity and marine ecosystems associated with climate change;
3. recent and projected changes in marine pest and diseases associated with climate change;
4. the impact of these changes on commercial fishing and aquaculture, including associated business activity and employment;
5. the impact of these changes on recreational fishing;
6. the adequacy of current quota-setting and access rights provisions and processes given current and projected climate change impacts;
7. the adequacy of current and proposed marine biodiversity protections given current and projected climate change impacts;
8. the adequacy of biosecurity measures and monitoring systems given current and projected climate change impacts; and
9. any other related matters.

The closing date for submissions is 14 November 2016.

On 28 March 2017, the Senate granted a further extension of time to report until 13 September 2017.

On 19 June 2017 the Senate granted an extension of time to report until 29 November 2017.