68 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG metabolism and omega-3 deposition. GS provides a mechanism to identify broodstock capable of retaining DHA and EPA under these dynamic conditions, even when plant-based oils dominate feed formulations. In Western Australia’s Kimberley and Pilbara regions, aquaculture operates within expansive tidal systems and clear, nutrient-poor waters. Species such as red emperor, pink snapper and emerging tropical finfish candidates can benefit from GSenhanced breeding lines capable of maintaining stable fatty acid profiles despite thermal shifts and regional feed practices. Producers in these regions are increasingly exploring alternative oils; thus, genomic selection offers a valuable tool for ensuring fillet quality. Moving south, South Australia hosts a well-established industry producing yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) and mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus). These species fetch premium market prices where fillet quality, particularly omega-3 content, directly influences economic returns. Seasonal upwellings and temperature gradients along Spencer Gulf can affect nutritional composition. Incorporating GS to stabilize and enhance DHA and EPA levels can help ensure consistent product quality year-round. In Tasmania, cooler southern waters support Atlantic salmon production. Although salmonid breeding programs are highly advanced, the genomic principles demonstrated in red snapper can complement ongoing efforts to manage changing water temperatures and evolving feed formulations. The ability to predict fatty acid traits earlier in life provides an additional layer of control over product nutritional value, enhancing Tasmania’s capacity to deliver predictable, omega-3-rich salmon fillets. Across all regions, genomic selection for fatty acid traits supports Australia’s strategic aims of producing nutritionally superior, sustainable and climate-resilient seafood. As ocean temperatures, feed prices and ecological conditions shift, GS offers the precision needed to future-proof breeding programs nationwide (Figure 4). Global Applications: Extending Genomic Selection Beyond Australia The approach taken in this study has direct relevance across major aquaculture regions worldwide. In Southeast Asia, where Asian seabass, tilapia, grouper and cobia are heavily reliant on plant-based diets, genomic selection can support improved omega-3 deposition even as large-scale feed reformulation continues (Yáñez et al., 2023). Many of the pathways regulating fatty acid biosynthesis are conserved across fish species, enabling the rapid transfer of genomic technologies. In Europe, producers of Atlantic salmon, sea bream and sea bass are facing increasing regulatory limitations on fish oil use. Genomic prediction models that enhance DHA and EPA retention provide a sustainable path to maintaining the nutritional value of these globally exported species. Similarly, South America’s expanding cobia and snapper industries can incorporate GS early to establish high-nutritional-value breeding lines. Because the global gap between omega-3 supply and demand continues to widen (Tocher et al., 2019), nutritional genomics offers a practical solution for generating seafood that meets health-driven consumer expectations. Conclusion The genomic assessment of sixteen fatty acid traits in Malabar red snapper marks a major advancement in aquaculture nutritional genomics. By demonstrating moderate to high prediction accuracies for DHA, EPA and key ratio traits, the study establishes genomic selection as a practical and impactful method for improving fillet nutritional quality. As aquaculture industries worldwide aim to balance sustainability, feed efficiency and product value, genomic tools provide an essential pathway toward producing high-quality, omega-3-rich seafood. The ability to deploy GS across diverse Australian regions — and internationally — enhances the resilience and competitiveness of global aquaculture in a rapidly changing world. Notes Kathiresan Purushothaman* and Shubha Vij, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore. * Corresponding author: purusothaman1981@gmail.com References Agboola, J.O., et al. 2021. Omega-3 fatty acids and human health. Scientific Reports 11:4496. Bangera, R., et al. 2017. Genomic predictions can accelerate selection for resistance against Piscirickettsia salmonis in Atlantic salmon. BMC Genomics 18:1–12. 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