WASHINGTON, DC July 13, 2017 — Ronald Jensen’s contributions to the seafood community were invaluable. He recognized the dangers of working the water and the heart and soul brave fishermen put into their craft. Mr. Jensen played a pivotal role in increasing the production (and demand) of processed fish products. During his tenure as President & CEO of Arctic Alaska Fisheries Corp., he increased the capacity to bread and batter fish fillets ten-fold, identifying the importance of value-added products well-before others.

Mr. Jensen served as president of the National Fisheries Institute from 1982 to 1983. He is remembered as saying, “I can’t do anything halfway. I know me. I go full-bore.” That was evident in the time he served our association and his commitment to the seafood community.

Beyond Mr. Jensen’s accomplishments in business, he was also a member of numerous U.S. committees that negotiated treaties with other countries, playing an essential role in U.S. fisheries policy.

Mr. Jensen passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2017, surrounded by his family in Scottsdale, AZ. He was 79 years old. His memorial service will be held at Fishermen’s Terminal, Seattle, WA on August, 17, 2017 from 3-5pm. With a gregarious personality and contacts all over the world, he was a true asset to the seafood community and will be missed.

As a longtime supporter of the Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF), Mr. Jensen’s wife, Joan, has asked that donations be made to SIRF in his honor. Here is how to donate.

Joan, his 6 children, and 13 grandchildren are in our thoughts and prayers.

John Connelly
President, National Fisheries Institute

Contact Information

Lynsee Fowler
(703) 752-8899
lfowler@nfi.org