Turning Up the Heat: Why Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon Are in a League of Their Own

Abstract

Tasmania's Atlantic salmon farmers successfully farm this species in one of the warmest environments where salmon is farmed around the world, placing the Tasmanian industry at the forefront of climate adaptation. Rising ocean temperatures amplify both opportunity and risk: moderate warming will increase growth rates, whereas marine heatwaves and associated stressors can challenge fish health, welfare, and production stability. Over decades, Tasmanian salmon have adapted under prolonged isolation and indirect selection for resilience, creating a unique genetic resource. Formal selective breeding programs, now enhanced by genomic tools, have delivered gains in keeping pace with warming conditions and improving disease resistance, but challenges remain. Multi‐stressor interactions, validation of thermal tolerance under commercial conditions, and integration of epigenetic insights into breeding strategies are critical research gaps. This article argues that Tasmania offers more than a regional case study; it is a living laboratory for climate adaptation in aquaculture. Lessons from this region can inform global strategies to safeguard production and sustainability in a warming world. Harnessing genomic and epigenomic advances, refining predictive models, and fostering collaborative research will be essential to translate adaptation from concept to practice.