The winners of this year’s Aquaculture Awards have been announced at a celebratory dinner at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore, Scotland.
Fourteen prizes were awarded to companies and individuals making an exceptional contribution to the sector over the past year.
Aquaculture Awards and Aquaculture UK organiser Diversified Communications paid tribute to the entrants and sponsors who helped make the event happen, whilst event director, Cheri Arvonio congratulated the winners.
“The standard was exceptionally high, making the judges’ decisions difficult, but reflecting the wealth and breadth of talent in this incredible sector,” she said.
“It feels more important than ever to recognise hard work and dedication in the industry after the challenges of the past two years and we are proud to honour the achievements made by the most innovative and successful operators in aquaculture.”
The award winners are as follows:
- Rising Star – Andre Van of Kames Fish Farm and Rhianna Rees of SAMS Enterprise
- Collaboration – Mowi and the Brexit Working Group
- Innovation – Marine consultancy BMT for its Decision Support System
- Environmental Impact – Fjord Maritime for its Fjord Hybrid technology
- Economic Sustainability – Scottish Sea Farms
- Community Initiative – Scottish Salmon Company
- Shellfish Farmer of the Year – Judith Vajk of Caledonian Oysters
- Finfish Farmer of the Year – Stephen Woods of Scottish Sea Farms
- Animal Welfare – Ace Aquatec and Stirling University
- Aquaculture Supplier of the Year – Nutrition Analytical Service, of the University of Stirling.
- Best Aquaculture Company – Kames Fish Farming
- Outstanding Contribution – Jim Treasurer from FAI Farms
- Unsung Hero – Ian Keen-Smith, Cooke Aquaculture Scotland’s biological controller
- Judges Special Recognition – Pacific Ocean Culture
