Entries sought for Crown Estate aquaculture awards

THE Crown Estate is calling for nominations and entries for the Scottish Marine Aquaculture Awards to celebrate the achievements of an industry vitally important to Scotland and its coastal communities.

There are nine award categories and entries are welcomed from individuals, companies and other organisations involved in the Scottish marine aquaculture industry which:

• Employ the highest standards of aquaculture husbandry.

• Supply Scottish marine aquaculture products to local, national and international markets.

• Farm with a high level of environment awareness.

• Deliver a high-quality product.

The awards are held every two years to match the industry’s production cycles and development of new products and initiatives.

For 2013, two new categories have been introduced – seafood product and community initiative.

The aquaculture ambassador award has changed to outstanding contribution to accommodate a wider scope of individuals and the contributions they make.

Alex Adrian, aquaculture operations manager at the Crown Estate, said: "The awards are going from strength to strength with the number of entrants growing and new categories introduced to encompass all aspects of the industry.

"I’d encourage individuals to take the opportunity to participate as the awards are there not only to recognise excellence but also to showcase these achievements to as wide an audience as possible."

All submissions must be received by midday on Monday, March 11.

A short list will be published in May with winners announced at a ceremony and dinner to be held at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on June 13.

Find out more at www.marineaquacultureawards.com