Awarded at the judging panel’s discretion, this category will recognise sustainable practice, business performance, investment, staff management practices and local community involvement. The shortlist will be determined on the basis of information provided by entries across this year’s other categories as well as any additional information that the judges are aware of through their knowledge of the industry.

This will be awarded to the best hands-on finfish operative – be they technician or manager – for either their consistent excellence across the board or exceptional achievement in one particular aspect of their responsibilities, which has resulted in notable benefits for the farm(s) and the company. Please note that judges may wish to arrange to visit shortlisted nominees at work.

This will be awarded to the best hands-on shellfish producer for either their consistent excellence across the board or an exceptional achievement in one particular aspect of their responsibilities, which has resulted in notable benefits for the farm(s) and the company. Please note that judges may wish to arrange to visit shortlisted nominees at work.

Companies and individuals are invited to enter this category, which will recognise an initiative that has contributed significantly to the environmental sustainability of the business. This will cover areas such as: containment, predator management, wild stock interactions, waste management and mitigation, treatment strategies, visual amenity and collaborative resource management.

Open to any supplier which has shown commitment to any of the following: quality of products, services, technical advice and input, back-up service and communication, and R&D to further the economic performance and sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Entrants could be suppliers of aquaculture products or suppliers of goods and services to fish and shellfish producers.

Entries are open to any initiative that has improved the welfare of farmed fish and/or the wildlife they interact with. Initiatives can cover a range of factors, including genetic, pharmaceutical and technological innovations, or improvements in husbandry and farm management protocols.

This category aims to mark the achievements of the up-and-coming generation of the industry and entries/nominations will be open to all under-35s. The award celebrates the talent and ambition of a youthful employee or apprentice within the industry, recognising outstanding talent and encouraging rising stars to become tomorrow’s industry leaders.