The winners of the 2024 Aquaculture Awards were announced at a celebratory dinner during the Aquaculture UK conference, attended by a capacity crowd from across the sector. The event, held at the Macdonald Resort in Aviemore and hosted by Fred MacAulay, saw a total of 13 prizes awarded to companies and individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to aquaculture over the past year.
The first award of the night was for Rising Star, and two young people in very different roles shared the honours: Scottish Sea Farms IT engineer David Lipcsey, praised for his “technical skills and can-do attitude," and Mowi regional health manager Silvia Viale, singled out for her “hard work, passion and resilience."
The Collaboration award went to Ace Aquatec and Tiny Fish for their joint mission to reduce waste and enhance the circular economy by converting unviable fish from the freshwater stage into a safe ingredient for pet food and fish oil. Ace Aquaculture also scooped the Innovation award in a very competitive field, impressing the judges with its A-Biomass camera that tracks fish and identifies health and welfare problems using advanced AI and machine learning.
The Sustainability award was won by net supplier W and J Knox, which has pioneered predator netting that is designed to be easier to recycle, diverting nets and rope from landfill and helping customers achieve the most environmentally sound disposal method for their end-of-life gear.
Winning one of the most coveted prizes, Thomas Begg of Bakkafrost Scotland, described by colleagues as a true Hebridean hero, was named Farmer of the Year for his decades of devotion to the sector, his inspirational leadership and his championing of young talent in the company.
Another much respected aquaculture figure is John Holmyard of Offshore Shellfish, who won the Best Producer of the Year award. John received the award not only for his pioneering work with offshore mussel farming, but also for engaging with government, industry, funders, academics and other aquaculture experts to help navigate post-Brexit challenges and further the sector for all involved.
For the Judges Special Recognition award, created to acknowledge the efforts of a particular company or individual, the judging panel felt Sarah Riddle, of Northern Light Consulting, merited the accolade for her exceptional work across the aquaculture sector over many years. Hailed as a one-woman dynamo, her roles have ranged from aquaculture consultant, SAIC business engagement supremo, innovator, and auditor, to educator and mentor.
“Congratulations to all the amazing winners, and to all those shortlisted too, in what has been an incredible Aquaculture Awards, with a record number of entries,” said event director Cheri Arvonio, in a press release.
“The standard as always was very high, making the judges’ task difficult, but reflecting the wealth of talent, the initiative, dedication and achievement so evident throughout the sector. We are proud to be able to recognise and celebrate such excellence,” she added.
The full list of award winners can be found on the Aquaculture Awards website.
