A new award has been launched to recognise the achievements of young people working in salmon and seafood farming.
The Young Aquaculture Society (YAS)’s Early Career Innovators Competition is part of a broader drive to boost job opportunities in the sector.
Founded just six months ago, YAS aims to support future leaders in seafood, shellfish, and finfish through socialising, networking, and professional growth.
“Early career professionals entering the field inherently bring fresh perspectives, making them well-positioned to generate impactful ideas,” said Andrew Richardson, founder and president of YAS.
“It’s truly exciting for us to introduce such a prize at this early stage of our organisation’s journey, and we are grateful to the Institute of Aquaculture and Aquaculture UK for sharing our mission.”
“We can’t wait to see some great submissions from members and get inspired.”
Participants will be asked to identify a challenge or problem and pitch their solution, which must be related to aquaculture — whether on a farm, at a hatchery, in a lab, or addressing a digital challenge.
Entries are now open for the competition, which is supported by Diversified Communications, the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) and trade body Salmon Scotland. The competition is open to members of YAS and joining is free.
The winner will be announced at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore, Inverness-shire, in May.
