The winners of the UK’s Crown Estate’s 2013 Scottish Marine Aquaculture Awards have been announced.
The awards celebrate the achievements and success of the Scottish fishing industry. This year winners included Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd for Business Development and the Scottish Salmon Company’s Alasdair MacDonald as Farm Manager of the Year.
Gareth Baird, The Crown Estate’s Scottish Commissioner, said: “Such excellence and high standards will help ensure the continuing success of an industry that is critically important to Scotland’s coastal communities and local economies.”
During the ceremony, there was a keynote address by Scotland’s Environment Minister, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, who outlined the significant potential for further expansion both in employment and export earnings in Scottish finfish aquaculture and shellfish growing.
He said that the Scottish Government is throwing its weight behind supporting sustainable growth in the industry.
The Crown Estate manages the UK seabed and part of its remit is to provide leases for fish farms and contribute to the development of the aquaculture industry working alongside the industry, fishing communities and the government.
2013 Winners
Farm Manager of the Year
Alasdair MacDonald – Scottish Salmon Company
Outstanding Contribution to Industry
Stephen Cameron
Aquaculture Seafood Product of the Year
Gigha Halibut, Smoked Gigha Halibut
Aquaculture Supplier of the Year
NAFC Marine Centre
Community Initiative
Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd – Rural Broadband
Stewardship Award
The Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery Company Ltd - Repopulating the Loch Ryan Oyster Beds for the Next Generation
Business Development Award
Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd
Innovation Award
Scottish Sea Farms – Improving Safety for Staff Working Over Water
