Finalists have been announced for the inaugural Australasian Aquaculture Awards sponsored by the Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices certification program.

The awards, which will be presented by BAP Vice President of Development Peter Redmond during the May 2 "Articulture" event at Australasian Aquaculture 2012 in Melbourne, Australia, reward aquaculture excellence in a number of categories.

The award categories and finalists are listed below.

Aquaculture Production Award - Presented to an individual, research project or institution that has demonstrated excellence through innovative and sustainable research practices and is expected to have an impact on Australasian aquaculture over the next 10 years.  

Finalists: Skretting Australia, Tassal Operations Pty. Ltd.  

Aquaculture Science Research Award - Presented to an individual or business that has demonstrated excellence through innovative and sustainable practices and is expected to have an impact on Australasian aquaculture over the next 10 years. 

Finalists: Fish Oil Replacement in Australian Aquafeed - Prof. Chris Carter (University of Tasmania), Dr. David Francis (Australian Institute of Marine Science), Dr. Peter Nichols (CSIRO Food Futures Flagship) and Dr. Giovanni Turchini (Deakin University); Victorian Shellfish Hatchery Pty. Ltd.  

Aquaculture Service Provider Award - Presented to an aquaculture service company or individual that has demonstrated innovation, excellence in product/service delivery and customer service, as well as consistent business growth through sustainable practices, and is expected to have an impact on Australasian aquaculture over the next 10 years. 

Finalists: Seafood Experience Australia Ltd., Sealite Pty. Ltd. (T/A) Avlite Systems, Wenger Manufacturing/E.N. Hutchinson.