After nearly 40 years in aquaculture, Dr. Jonas Jonasson is retiring from Benchmark Genetics on April 30.
Jonas has been a key part of the journey that has shaped modern salmon farming – in Iceland and far beyond. From his early days as a researcher to leading Stofnfiskur (now Benchmark Genetics Iceland), and later contributing globally as Production Director, he has played an important role in developing both the company and the industry.
Growing with the industry
Jonas started his career in aquaculture research in Iceland in the 1980s, before joining Stofnfiskur in 1996. Over the years, he helped build the company into what it is today, a world-leading provider of salmon genetics and high-quality ova. Under his leadership, the company also developed and brought into operation what is today the world’s largest incubation centre for salmon eggs.
He served as CEO for many years and later took on a global role in Benchmark Genetics, continuing to support production and development across markets.
A lasting impact on Benchmark Genetics
Kristian Botnen, CEO of Benchmark Genetics, says:
“Jonas has been instrumental in building our operations in Iceland into a world-leading centre for salmon genetics and egg production. His deep expertise, long-term vision and unwavering commitment have played a key role in developing our global production of high-quality salmon ova. On behalf of everyone at Benchmark Genetics, I would like to thank Jonas for his outstanding contribution to the company and the industry.”
From simple selection to advanced genetics
When Jonas started his career, salmon breeding was still in its early days. Selection focused mainly on growth and maturation. Since then, genetics has evolved into a highly advanced field.
As Jonas reflects:
“Genetics has really taken off… enabling selection for robustness, disease traits and flesh quality. I am proud to have been part of a team that managed to double the growth rate of salmon in three decades.”
That progress has had a major impact on efficiency, fish welfare and sustainability across the industry.
“Ova every Tuesday”
One of the areas Jonas is particularly known for is his work in making high-quality salmon eggs available year-round.
In the early days, production depended on natural spawning seasons, which limited flexibility. Developing continuous egg production changed that – summed up in the phrase “Ova every Tuesday.”
This has been key to enabling modern smolt production, including RAS systems and the move towards larger smolt.
Looking ahead
Jonas has always been forward-looking – whether it is cleaner fish as a solution to sea lice, improvements in smolt production, or new technologies that can support the next steps in aquaculture.
He remains optimistic about the future:
“The only thing we know for sure is that everybody loves eating salmon. Salmon production really has a bright future.”
Thank you for everything
While Jonas is now stepping into retirement, we are pleased that he will continue to share his experience as an independent consultant.
His contribution to Benchmark Genetics – and to aquaculture more broadly – has been significant. We would like to thank him for his dedication, knowledge and long-term commitment.
We wish Jonas all the best for the next chapter.
