The awards are presented annually to aquaculture’s finest leaders, from role models and mold-breakers, to unsung heroes and rising stars. With 13 categories, this year’s awards honor the hard work and high standards across the sector, both at home and abroad.

The aquaculture community can get involved in the judging process by voting for the Outstanding Contribution award, chosen from three shortlisted candidates, each of whom has carved out a distinguished career in their field.

The winners will be unveiled at a gala dinner at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on Thursday, June 19.

Making the shortlist are representatives from throughout the Scottish fish farming sector and beyond, with the trend-setters and toilers of today and tomorrow who are recognized for their contribution to aquaculture.

Cheri Arvonio, awards director, said that “the Aquaculture Awards give people in the sector an opportunity to champion their peers and mark the milestones of the year, both on a business and personal level. We’re looking forward to welcoming all those in the running, our award sponsors and more than 300 guests for an exciting night of celebration, socializing and Highland fun.”

For tickets to the Aquaculture Awards, contact Aquaculture UK organizer Diversified Communications, organizers of Aquaculture UK, via aharrison@divcom.co.uk.

For the full Aquaculture Awards 2025 shortlist and for further details of the awards night, visit go.pardot.com.

Aquaculture Awards 2025 Shortlist

RISING STAR​​

• ​​Alison Brough, Scottish Sea Farms
• Stephen Maciver, Mowi Scotland
• Cameron Carmichael, Kames Fish Farming​​​​​​

COLLABORATION​​​​​​

• MiAlgae – with Scottish whisky distillery Eden Mill
• DYW West Highland – with Salmon Scotland and Mowi
• Offshore Shellfish – with Plymouth University

INNOVATION

• Hailia Nordic – Fish Waste Technology
• Harbor AS – Harbor Fence
• Moleaer – Nanobubble Technology
• BiOceanOr – AI Powered Water Quality Forecasts

SUSTAINABILITY

• Bakkafrost – Ensiler Technology
• Odyssey Innovation – Scuttle the Cuttle
• Packaging Solutions Scotland – The S-Bin
• BRF Ingredients – BioActio Health & Performance
• Mowi - The Maol Ban Native Woodland Project

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

• Cameron Carmichael - Kames Fish Farming
• Scottish Sea Farms – Heart of the Community Fund

FARMER OF THE YEAR

• Alastair Fraser, Scottish Sea Farms
• Adam Johnson, Migdale Smolt
• Iain Jackson, Bakkafrost Scotland

ANIMAL WELFARE

• University of St Andrews and GenusWave
• Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University
• Bakkafrost Scotland and Observe Technologies

AQUACULTURE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

• Packaging Solutions Scotland
• Underwater Contracting
• Requip Services

BEST NEW START-UP

• Esox Biologics
• Native Aqua
• Aquanzo

BEST PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Announced on the night

UNSUNG HERO

• Dave Young, Mowi Scotland
• Ivar Warrer-Hansen, RASLogic

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY – People’s vote

Vote here.

• ​​​​​​​Alastair Barge, Otter Ferry Seafish
• Fergus Ewing MSP
• Stuart Cannon, Kames Fish Farming

JUDGES’ SPECIAL RECOGNITION – Announced on the night