ISA suspected in a fish at Benchmark breeding site

Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) is suspected at a key breeding centre in Norway where Benchmark Genetics has a facility. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is testing samples from the site 60 miles south of Narvik, which is one of the world’s most advanced land based facilities for the production of salmon ova. Only a few…

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Genetics tailored for Scottish waters

Expertise in genetics is helping to create salmon stock with higher levels of resilience By Andrew Preston Lead, Trait Development and Land Based, Benchmark Genetics Benchmark Genetics is at the forefront of advancing sustainable salmon production through genetic improvement. While selective breeding programs have already yielded significant benefits in growth performance, robustness, and disease resistance,…

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Benchmark appoints digital chief

Benchmark Genetics has appointed Bara Gunnlaugsdottir as head of digital technologies, with a brief to develop the company’s strategy and innovation. In her new role, she will be driving the digital strategy and innovation programs of the business area, including the responsibility for all strategic management systems within production, quality and environment. As head of…

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Benchmark appointment to lead RAS sales

Benchmark Genetics has appointed Harry Tziouvas as RAS sales manager, signalling a commitment to growing in the field of land-based RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems). He was previously technical sales manager for Benchmark Animal Health, where since March 2018 he was responsible for managing key accounts and customer’s portfolios in the Mediterranean region. Tziouvas holds a…

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Benchmark Genetics reports revenues down, cash up

Aquaculture biotech business Benchmark Genetics has reported lower revenues and reduced EBITDA earnings, but says the company is in a stronger financial position following restructuring. Revenue from continuing operations was £105.6 million for the year ending 30 September 2020 (2019: £124 million) and adjusted EBITDA for the period, before exceptional items and acquisition-related expenditure, was…

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Wahnish steps down from Benchmark Holdings board

Benchmark Holdings has announced that non-executive board member Hugo Wahnish is to resign. Wahnish has held a board position at the aquaculture genetics, health and advanced nutrition company since November 2017. He will be leaving on 9 February 2021. The company’s announcement credits him with playing “a significant role” in Benchmark’s transformative period as it…

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Benchmark Genetics signs ova deal with AquaCon

The Iceland arm of Benchmark Genetics has signed a five-year contract to supply salmon ova to fish farmer AquaCon in the US. The contract involves deliveries of genetics to the land-based facilities that AquaCon are planning to build in Maryland, with around 40 million ova due to be delivered over the five-year period. The farm…

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Fast test to detect deadly heart disease

AN early warning system for one of farmed salmon’s deadliest diseases is being developed by a Scottish research consortium. Cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS), a fatal viral disease which causes inflammation of the heart, is known to be caused by piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV), although the triggers for the disease are not fully understood. It can lead…

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