12 SEPTEMBER 2014 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG For more than 40 years, Professor Trygve Gjedrem’s enduring passion for the genetic improvement of fish species has greatly benefitted the aquaculture industry in Norway, relatively poor rural communities growing fish in Asia and those scientists who are engaged in the genetic improvement of aquatic species. At the World Aquaculture Society Conference in Adelaide, the Society recognized and presented Professor Trygve Gjedrem with the Honorary Life Award for his pioneering contribution to aquaculture genetics research, the development of genetically improved and domesticated breeds of farmed fish and shellfish and his enduring passion in seeing selective breeding implemented to improve the efficiency of aquaculture production around the world. Professor Gjedrem is a pioneer of fish genetic improvement, and is regarded by many as a father figure and a great mentor to younger scientists. Trygve was responsible for initiating the world’s first family-based breeding program for fish, which was for Atlantic salmon in Norway. The Royal Norwegian Academy of Sciences recognized that “the breeding program has been the most important factor in the development of the salmon industry in Norway.” His work over the last 40-50 years has not only stimulated the Norwegian salmon industry, but also greatly benefited relatively poor rural communities in Asia and other parts of the world where genetically improved fish such as tilapia or carp are farmed. He has published around 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His research work has been cited many hundreds of times in the literature and his findings act as a platform on which further advances continue to be built. He has been one of the driving forces behind the development of several organizations committed to improving aquaculture around the world (e.g. Akvaforsk, now part of the food research institute Nofima in Norway, and the International Association for Genetics in Aquaculture). As a founder and Director over many years, Akvaforsk (the Norwegian Institute of Aquaculture Research) has, since 1971, been one of the great legacies of Trygve’s work. The mission of Akvaforsk was to develop new knowledge for the entire value chain in aquaculture, and to see that knowledge is implemented to benefit not only Norwegian aquaculture, but aquaculture worldwide. Professor Gjedrem sees it as a tragedy that so few of the world’s aquaculture industries have embraced genetic improvement, especially in China where the greatest benefits could be realized. He sees it as his life mission to encourage the development and spread of genetically improved stock around the world and preaches this message through his writing and lectures. He often remarks that “we wouldn’t think of farming wild cows, pigs or chickens, so why do we continue to farm wild fish?” Although this message took time to gain traction, genetic improvement programs are now being developed and initiated around the world and selective breeding is now considered to be a necessary component of aquaculture development for most aquaculture sectors around the world. Trygve is still known by his colleagues in Nofima as a highly motivated, kind and enthusiastic person, an educator and champion of his field of research. At 85, he continues to go to work bright and early most days, writes reviews and books and presents lectures to undergraduate students. He enthusiastically debates issues with the young graduates at work and serves as a source of wisdom and historical information for the lead group. Without Professor Gjedrem’s tireless efforts through more than 40 years it is probable that the world would continue to be more heavily reliant on wild fisheries than aquaculture, farmers would produce less fish per unit area, feed wastage and costs would be greater, we would suffer more loss to disease and the costs of treatment would be greater. — Nick Robinson, Nofima, Norway Trygve Gjedrem Receives Honorary Life Award from WAS Professor Gjedrem is a pioneer of fish genetic improvement, and is regarded by many as a father figure and a great mentor to younger scientists. Trygve was responsible for initiating the world’s first family-based breeding program for fish.
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