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imagen de Dr. Morten Rye

Dr. Morten Rye

Director of Genetic Services & International Strategy
BENCHMARK GENETICS

Dr. Morten Rye serves as Director of Genetic Services & International Strategy at Benchmark Genetics. He earned his PhD in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the Norwegian University of Agriculture and has built a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years in aquaculture genetics. He currently leads the Benchmark Genetics Services unit, overseeing the global implementation of advanced genetic and genomic support, the design and optimization of selective breeding programs, and the development of international strategic partnerships. His work bridges scientific research and large-scale commercial breeding operations. Throughout his career, Dr. Rye has contributed to selective breeding programs across more than 20 aquaculture species in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He collaborates closely with commercial breeding companies and key industry stakeholders, combining scientific rigor with practical application to enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness within the global aquaculture sector

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imagen de David Espinoza

David Espinoza

Regional Deputy Director
CORFO Los Lagos

Public Accountant from Universidad Andrés Bello and holds a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. He currently serves as Regional Deputy Director of CORFO Los Lagos, where he supports initiatives related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development. He has more than two decades of experience in public administration and productive development, having held positions in SENCE, the Regional Government of Los Lagos, Chilean Customs, and Fundación Chinquihue.

imagen de Gian Paul Ricapito

Gian Paul Ricapito

General Manager and Executive Editor
Salmonexpert

imagen de Alex Romero

Alex Romero

Full Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile

Dr. Alex Romero is a Biochemist and PhD in Science with a specialization in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Universidad Austral de Chile. He currently leads the Laboratory of Immunology and Stress in Aquatic Organisms at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and is an Associate Researcher at the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR²). His research focuses on fish defense mechanisms against stress and pathogen infections, as well as the development of natural additives to improve fish health and resilience.

imagen de Joachim Wessel

Joachim Wessel

Gerente General
Cermaq Chile

Joachim has been General Manager of Cermaq Chile since June 2024, after previously serving as Commercial and Supply Chain Manager within the company. He brings over 30 years of experience in the Chilean aquaculture industry, with a strong track record at leading companies such as Mowi and AquaChile, and having also served as General Manager of Friosur. He holds a degree in Economics from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and an MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management from the University of Stirling, Scotland.