Entries are now open for the Aquaculture Awards 2023, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses in the sector over the past year. The awards, to be announced at a gala dinner in Inverness on June 15, are presented annually and recognize aquaculture’s rising stars, long-term heroes, most forward-thinking enterprises and game-changing innovations.

With 14 categories – including, for the first time, Best New Start-Up – this year’s awards will honor the hard work and high standards across the sector, both at home and abroad. On top of prizes for Finfish and Shellfish Farmer of the Year, Aquaculture Supplier of the Year, and Best Aquaculture Company, there will be awards, too, for Sustainability, Community Initiative and Animal Welfare, among others.

There will also be the Judges’ Special Recognition award, selected by the judging panel from the awards entries, for the individual, project or business demonstrating impressive commitment and a responsible approach to aquaculture.

“the Aquaculture Awards have become a highlight in the sector’s calendar, providing an opportunity for aquaculture people to champion their peers, as well as being a great excuse for everyone to get together,” said Cheri Arvonio, awards director. “We want to hear about all those who have made an exceptional contribution in the last 12 months, whether it is farm staff on the ground going the extra mile, technical pioneers driving progress, or aquaculture leaders shaping future trends.”

The deadline for entries is Friday, March 3 and finalists will be announced by the judging panel on March 20. Tickets to the ceremony – at the Macdonald Drumossie, Inverness – will then go on sale.

For more information and to enter the Aquaculture Awards, visit aquacultureawards.com.