Cerda is the most recent appointment to the NWAA's 14-person board of directors
Cerda currently serves as general manager of Troutlodge, a division of Hendrix genetics, and the world’s leading producer of eyed trout eggs, where he leads a 60-person team.
NWAA president and CEO of Jamestown Seafood, Jim Parsons, described Cerda as “a visionary leader who will bring a valuable international perspective to our leadership team.”
“Claudio Cerda has the vision and commitment to develop the US aquaculture industry as it has developed in major producing countries where he has worked in various aquaculture sectors,” he added.
Cerda said he looks forward to working with the NWAA board to address and overcome the challenges facing aquaculture, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region.
“Aquaculture is the future. We must commit ourselves to a bigger vision where all modes of aquaculture are embraced and accepted as an environmentally sustainable way to produce food the world needs. It’s happened in other countries, it should happen here,” he said.
During a 28-year aquaculture career Cerda has worked in Chile, Ecuador and the United States, managing operations primarily focused on salmon and trout; in addition, he spent four years managing a shrimp farm in Ecuador for a joint venture between Skretting, Hendrix Genetics and a local shrimp producer.
Cerda believes his experience in the major species in aquaculture as well as his leadership in several companies will help him to understand, visualize and analyse the production processes in a global and more effective way.
