‘Mr Aquaculture’ retires after 45 years

FEED executive Niels Alsted, nicknamed ‘Mr Aquaculture’ by his colleagues at BioMar, has announced his retirement after 45 years in the industry.
Alsted, executive vice president of business relations in BioMar, began his career in 1974 on a small trout farm in Denmark before studying aquaculture research at the University of Tromsoe, Institute of Fisheries, in 1977 in Norway.
He stayed in academic research for several years and was an associate professor at Aalborg University when he undertook his commercial PhD with BioMar in 1987.
Over the last 32 years, Alsted has held various positions in BioMar, from R&D, sourcing, food safety and business relations.
He has been part of the executive management team in BioMar Group, where he contributed to opening new markets such as Chile and China.
He is widely recognised for his technical knowledge and while at BioMar published several papers on nutrition and sustainability.
He was instrumental in the creation of the first environmentally friendly aquaculture feed product, Ecoline.
Carlos Diaz, CEO of BioMar Group, said: ‘Niels has been one of the most important people forming not only BioMar but also the industry.
‘His dedication to developing a sustainable and professional aquaculture has led to industry standards and the high-end feed ranges we see in the market.
‘Furthermore, he has been one of the most important people forming the culture in BioMar, a culture built upon trust, relationships, professionalism and a desire to pioneer the future of the industry.’
Alsted has represented the aquaculture industry and BioMar at numerous NGO events and he has been a member of various industry committees, most recently chairing the board of FEFAC (the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation).
He was also a member of both the GSI (Global Salmon Initiative) feed task force and IFFO RS, the responsible supply standard for the marine ingredients sector.
‘I am very grateful to BioMar,’ said Alsted. ‘I have seen most of the world, meeting fantastic people and really enjoying my work in the aquaculture industry. I simply could not ask for more.’
Alsted said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family, but had not closed the door on potentially doing more aquaculture related projects.
Picture: BioMar\’s Niels Alsted