Genetic improvement for climate-resilient aquaculture stocks: perspectives on applications in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

Climate change poses increasing challenges to inland aquaculture through rising temperatures, dissolved oxygen depletion, and heightened disease pressure. Genetic improvement of climate resilience has therefore become a priority for sustainable aquaculture production. This perspective paper synthesizes key concepts and methodologies for breeding climate-resilient aquaculture stocks, with a particular focus on giant freshwater prawn ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii ). We review the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity, genotype-by-environment interaction, and reaction norms, highlighting their relevance for resilience breeding under dynamic environmental conditions. Using preliminary data from a breeding population in Thailand, which were considered a proof-of-concept and required validation in larger populations, we illustrate the application of reaction-norm models to quantify climate resilience traits and their genetic parameters. Finally, we discuss emerging genomic and omics-based approaches, including genomic selection and multi-omics integration, to enhance prediction accuracy and accelerate genetic gains for resilience. Collectively, this work provides a conceptual and practical framework for developing climate-resilient prawn stocks, supporting the broader adoption of data-driven breeding strategies in tropical aquaculture.