Risk Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change for Key Aquaculture Species in Western Australia 

The impacts of climate change are affecting aquaculture operations in Western Australia. Already, almost half of WA operators are observing specific impacts on their production and businesses (ACWA industry survey 2025).  

To ensure a thriving future industry, operators need to both understand the climate risks and how they can prepare. This report outlines a screening-level climate risk assessment for key aquaculture species in Western Australia. 

Read the report here: ACWA Climate Risk Assessment 2025

Access the profiles for individual aquaculture species (e.g. abalone, marron) here: Species Profiles 2025.pdf

These species profiles summarise current knowledge on the biology, farming practices, production systems, and climate vulnerabilities of key WA aquaculture species. The profiles have been designed for industry, managers, and researchers to support strategic planning and long-term resilience. The profiles provide evidence-based insights, highlight risks, and identify critical data gaps pertinent to each species.

The assessment 

ACWA contracted leading researchers from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), and the Centre for Marine Socioecology, both at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to conduct climate risk assessments to identify potential risks of climate change for WA aquaculture, as part of the Sea Change Australia program. Assessments were conducted for key WA species (abalone, coral/live rock, finfish, oysters, pearling, seaweed/algae, freshwater finfish and crayfish) across the phases of production. These assessments were co-developed via aquaculture expert input and review 

 The assessment was conducted as part of the Aquaculture for the future program. Aquaculture for the future is a Farm Business Resilience Program jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.