The Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Aquaculture in New Zealand

New Zealand's aquaculture industry stands as a cornerstone of the economy, generating over NZ$1 billion in annual export revenue, with green-lipped mussels accounting for around 70% of production. Primarily centered in regions like the Marlborough Sounds, the sector employs thousands and aims to triple its value to NZ$3 billion by 2035 through expansion into new species and open-ocean farming. However, rising ocean temperatures, warming 34% faster than the global average, pose severe threats, including frequent marine heatwaves that have caused massive salmon mortalities.

In 2022, a prolonged heatwave led to over 1,300 tonnes of salmon deaths in Marlborough Sounds farms, highlighting the vulnerability of cold-water species like Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), which struggle above 18-20°C. These events underscore the necessity for diversification into warm-water, climate-resilient species to sustain growth and food security.

Snapper Emerges as a Climate-Tolerant Contender

Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus, known as tāmure in Māori), a culturally and commercially prized species, is gaining traction as a prime candidate for climate-resilient aquaculture in New Zealand. Naturally distributed across temperate waters from Australia to the North Island, snapper thrives in temperatures from below 10°C to 30°C, exhibiting metabolic resilience to heatwaves and hypoxia—key advantages over salmon. Its flaky white flesh mirrors high-value global species like Japan's red sea bream (Pagrus major) and Europe's gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), both staples in multibillion-dollar aquaculture operations.

Wild snapper supports significant recreational and commercial fisheries, but domestication efforts since 2004 aim to unlock farmed potential. Selective breeding programs target traits like growth rate, disease resistance, and thermal tolerance, positioning snapper as a viable alternative amid warming seas.

Groundbreaking Selective Breeding Study from Plant & Food Research and University of Auckland

A pivotal study published in February 2026 in the New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research marks the first real-world evaluation of selectively bred snapper in commercial-like settings. Led by Dr. Maren Wellenreuther, Professor at the University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences and Science Group Leader at Plant & Food Research, the research compared fourth-generation (F₄) selectively bred snapper against unselected first-generation (F₁) wild-derived stock.Read the full study

"Traditional finfish farming will face increasing challenges as sea temperatures rise," Wellenreuther noted. "By finding new species like snapper, the sector can develop resilience to climate change." First author Georgia Samuels added, "Selective breeding produces faster-growing, stressor-resilient snapper, future-proofing aquaculture."

Study Design: Land-Based Tanks and Sea Pens Tested

Over 2,000 juvenile snapper (aged 4 months) were reared to 30 months in two systems: land-based flow-through tanks at Plant & Food Research's Nelson facility and ocean-based sea pens in Beatrix Bay, Marlborough Sounds. Fish were fed commercial pellets (e.g., Skretting Nutra RC), with densities controlled to mimic commercial practices. Key metrics included fork length, body weight, survival, and condition factor, analyzed via statistical models like Welch's t-tests and logistic regression for size-specific mortality.

• Land-based: Higher growing degree days (2,433 vs. 1,792), warmer stable temps from Nelson Haven water.
• Sea pens: Exposed to natural fluctuations, including winter lows below 15°C and summer peaks.

This dual-environment approach validated performance under variable, climate-stressed conditions.

Photo by Sir Misbehave on Unsplash

Impressive Results: Superior Growth and Survival

At harvest (30 months), F₄ snapper outperformed F₁ significantly:

Mortality peaked in the first winter, size-selectively in sea pens—fish over 60g pre-winter had >90% survival probability. These gains stem from multi-trait selection for growth, feed efficiency, and resilience, reaching market size in two years.

New Zealand Universities Fueling Aquaculture Research Excellence

University of Auckland researchers, including Prof. Wellenreuther, drive snapper genomics and phenomics, identifying domestication signatures and stress genes. Lincoln University, via the Bioeconomy Science Institute, collaborates on breeding with Plant & Food, AgResearch, and Massey University. These institutions offer programs in marine science and aquaculture, training future experts. For career opportunities in this field, explore research jobs or higher ed jobs at AcademicJobs.com.

Cawthron Institute's Climate Adapted Finfish Programme, partnering with universities, targets snapper alongside kingfish and salmon resilience.

Economic and Environmental Implications

Snapper farming could offset salmon risks, supporting NZ's $3b aquaculture goal while reducing import reliance. Environmentally, polyculture with mussels enhances biodiversity, as snapper forage in farms boosts wild stocks. Challenges include disease management and regulatory approvals for sea pens. Government strategies like the Aquaculture Development Plan emphasize adaptation.MPI Climate Resources

Future Directions: Genomics, Open-Ocean, and Multi-Species Strategies

Ongoing work integrates AI for 98% accurate genomic prediction of growth traits and develops stress-immune gene panels. NIWA advances hāpuku and kingfish, complementing snapper. Open-ocean sites offer cooler waters, targeting NZ$1.4b growth. University-led trials will refine protocols for commercial scale-up.

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Stakeholder Perspectives and Calls to Action

Industry leaders applaud the research for diversification, while iwi emphasize cultural values in tāmure farming. For academics and professionals, this highlights opportunities in New Zealand university jobs and higher ed career advice. Explore Rate My Professor for insights into NZ marine science programs.

Outlook: A Resilient Aquaculture Sector Ahead

This snapper breakthrough exemplifies how New Zealand higher education and research institutes are pioneering climate-resilient aquaculture. By leveraging university expertise, the nation can navigate warming oceans, ensuring sustainable growth. Stay informed via AcademicJobs.com for the latest in higher ed research and university jobs, higher ed jobs, and career advice.