Judges

Candice Hale is the Operations Manager at Salmon Scotland, the voice of the farm-raised Scottish salmon sector. Salmon Scotland provides trusted information and represents its members’ interests in Scotland, across the UK, and internationally. Candice has worked in aquaculture since 2023 and brings over 20 years of experience in business management and operations across retail, whisky, and now salmon. She is passionate about supporting and inspiring the next generation of aquaculture professionals and hopes to encourage more young people to pursue careers within the sector.

Professor of Aquatic Resources and Development, Environment Research Group. Specialist in aquatic resource development and capacity building. Track record in research and outreach with commercial and development partners in aquatic food security focus. Over thirty-five years of experience in interdisciplinary research and education, significant proportion based in the region generating around £10 million income. Published over 150 academic papers and reviews; (h index 48; ~8000 citations). Supervised over 100 postgraduate student research projects, of which more than 20 have been PhD. Key role as coordinator and partner of interdisciplinary and intercultural research for development. Active EU project coordinator of research and support actions.

Jenny Hjul is a newspaper and magazine journalist and columnist. She has contributed to national, regional and trade titles, working in London, Sydney and Scotland. A former editor of Fish Farmer, she remains active in the aquaculture sector as a writer and communications consultant.

After 37 years of working in the Aquaculture Sector in various roles, including being an Aquaculture Manager for RSPCA Assured for 16 years, Malcolm is now offering his wealth of expertise as a consultant to the Scottish and International Aquaculture Industry. Malcolm is also an experienced auditor undertaking consultancy roles in both the UK and overseas, along with being a proud winner of 2 of our very own Aquaculture Awards.

Mike Spain draws on a career spanning four decades in the private and public sectors, in which time he has worked extensively in commercial leadership roles.  His experience in international business development, materials and systems manufacturing and marine services has involved close engagement with the aquaculture, oil & gas, renewables and maritime industries in the UK and globally. Prior to joining Crown Estate Scotland Mike led the commercial arm of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).

Nicki Holmyard lives and breathes the seafood industry. As a specialist freelance writer for 30 years, she has travelled the globe to research in-depth articles, interviews and news stories on all aspects of fishing, aquaculture and processing for international journals and newspapers. She has contributed to books on sustainable seafood sourcing and the effects of climate change on the oceans, and acts as a communications consultant for leading fishing and aquaculture concerns. Nicki is also actively involved in her family company, Offshore Shellfish Ltd, which is developing Europe’s largest offshore rope-grown mussel farm.

Sarah Riddle brings over 25 years’ experience to her role as SAIC’s Head of Research and Innovation, having previously worked at Scottish Sea Farms and Aquascot. As MD of Northern Light Consulting, Sarah has also provided strategic support to a range of businesses, helping them secure funding and deliver innovative R&D. Sarah oversees SAIC’s full programme of activities. These include supporting applied R&D projects, drawing down third-party funding for aquaculture research, knowledge exchange, and providing extensive services to SAIC’s 380+ consortium members.