Nationwide hunt for the stars of Scottish aquaculture

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

• 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; and

• 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', to acknowledge the wider scope of industry engagement and business. 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, 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 and  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.

"The judges are always impressed by the range of high-quality entries reflecting the innovative and responsible approach to business that characterises the fast growing industry."

The Crown Estate provides leases for fish farms and works to develop the aquaculture industry. It has invested £1 million in Scottish aquaculture R&D over the last five years.

All submissions must be received by midday on Monday 11 March. A shortlist will be published in May with winners announced at a ceremony and dinner to be held at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Thursday 13 June 2012.