This literature review explores the emergence of Milky-White Flesh (MWF) syndrome in New Zealand snapper — a condition marked by emaciated fish and soft, pale fillets that first appeared in 2022. While not caused by parasites or infectious disease, MWF syndrome poses significant challenges to both commercial and recreational fisheries. The study examines international cases of similar muscle-degrading conditions and evaluates the potential drivers behind MWF in snapper, including chronic starvation, nutritional deficiencies, environmental stressors, and climate change impacts such as marine heatwaves and reduced ocean productivity. It also frames the disease using the epidemiological triad (agent, host, environment) and sets the foundation for a multi-year PhD research project investigating its causes, consequences, and potential reversibility.