As sea temperatures rise, selecting salmon that are more tolerant of warmer water is becoming a welfare priority. Genetic selection and crossbreeding programmes are exploring thermal tolerance as a welfare trait.
As ocean temperatures rise, salmon farmed in warming seas face increasing periods of thermal stress that compromise immunity, feeding, and behaviour. Selecting for thermal tolerance is an emerging welfare strategy that could reduce suffering as climate change worsens. This genetic approach complements farm management responses but requires careful evaluation to avoid unintended welfare trade-offs.