TLDRGovernment data reveals that at least 4 million salmon died prematurely at Tasmanian fish farms in 2025, with about 500,000 fish dying in November and December due to warmer ocean temperatures. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) data shows that over 2,500 tonnes of salmon died in the last three months of 2025, bringing the death toll for the year to 20,133 tonnes lost before being processed for public consumption. Scientific studies indicate that Atlantic salmon are adversely affected when ocean temperatures approach 18C, leading to less oxygenated water, liver and kidney damage, decreased appetite, and increased vulnerability to disease. Calls for companies to be fined under animal welfare legislation have emerged, as the RSPCA has made it clear that salmon feel pain, and there has been no apparent regulatory action over the mass salmon deaths. In contrast, Norway imposes significant fines for mass fish deaths at salmon farms.

Source: The Guardian January 27, 2026 09:36 UTC