The Mercury
By: Michael Stedman
Rising sea temperatures present a significant challenge to Tasmanian salmon, a new report has found -- but the industry is confident it can adapt.
The report by the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute and CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship confirmed average temperatures in southern Tasmanian waters would increase by 1 to 3 degrees by 2030.
At times water temperatures in Tasmania already approach the upper thermal limits for salmon which can cause stress, disease and death.
"Rising water temperatures associated with global warming would increase thermal stress and the consequent risk of disease outbreaks,'' said report co-author Alistair Hobday.
But the report found the $272 million industry, which produces 26,000 tonnes of salmon a year, was preparing well for the effects of climate change.
"The industry has already embarked upon a selective breeding program and selection for the traits of temperature and disease tolerance shows particular promise,'' said project leader Associate Professor Stephen Battaglene.
Concerns have been raised about the levels of antibiotics used to treat fish diseases brought on by the warmer temperatures. Around 80 tonnes of oxytetracycline or OTC has been used in the past four years.
Tasmanian Salmonoid Growers Association executive officer Pheroze Jungawalla said the report would assist the industry to adapt.
Despite the challenges, the industry plans to double production over the next five years.
"To put the predicted sea temperature rise in perspective -- we already have an annual fluctuation in temperature of a bit over 10 degrees and the daily fluctuation is five degrees,'' Mr Jungawalla said.