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.

On 28 November 2017, the Senate granted a further extension of time to report until ​6 December 2017​.