The awards, which will be presented on 29 May at a formal event in Edinburgh, showcase the great innovators and most exciting developments taking place in the world’s fastest growing protein production sector. Created as a new annual event following the success of the 2018 Aquaculture Awards at Aquaculture UK, they are open to anyone involved in aquaculture around the world and feature categories on applied research, animal welfare, international impact and more. The six-person panel of judges has been selected for its breadth of knowledge of the international aquaculture sector and includes well-known figures from industry and academia.
“I’m delighted to be part of a team that includes such high-profile figures,” says Rob Fletcher, senior editor of The Fish Site, who is a member of the judging panel. “The breadth of experience that they bring into play will allow them to make highly qualified decisions on which entries deserve a place on the shortlist for each of our eight categories.”
The other award judges are Alex Adrian, aquaculture operations manager of Crown Estate Scotland; Martin Gill, head of aquaculture and fisheries at Lloyds Register; Nicki Holmyard, head of corporate communications for Offshore Shellfish Ltd; Professor Dave Little, head of research at Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture; and event organiser Susan Tinch.
“I think that awards are an excellent way of celebrating and rewarding people, products, innovations and developments in the aquaculture world. As part of the judging panel in 2018, I was impressed by the time, energy and commitment given by the panel to ensure that the judging process was exacting, transparent and fair. It was rewarding to see the looks of surprise and joy on the winners’ faces at they were announced at the presentation dinner during Aquaculture UK, and I look forward to being involved with the 2019 awards,” says Holmyard.
“I’ve been involved in aquaculture for 30 years - both as a shellfish farmer and as an industry journalist – and I am pleased to be able to use my experience and knowledge to help reward the brightest and best in our sector,” she adds.
When examining the individual entries, the judges will consider the criteria identified for each category. Following consideration of all entries, the judging panel will identify shortlists for each category, from which the winners will be selected.
Entry and nomination process
Entries and nominations from both commercial and research sectors from around the world are welcomed. To find out more about each of the categories and to enter or nominate please visit www.aquacultureawards.com and complete the online forms. All entries and nominations will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
Awards timetable
- A full list of categories and details of how to enter the awards can be found at www.aquacultureawards.com.
- The closing date for entries is 1 March.
- The shortlists will be announced in early April and followed by the awards presentation dinner held at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh on 29 May.
