Aquaculture awards triumph for Scottish Sea Farms. Scottish Sea Farms scooped three prestigious awards at the Aquaculture Awards 2026 this week, announced at a ceremony in Glasgow during the Aquaculture UK exhibition.

Singled out as a Rising Star, Scottish Sea Farms Talent Development Business Partner Irene Pozo was praised for her role in developing the sector’s future workforce.

In just four years in the sector, she has become instrumental in creating opportunities for the next generation and raising awareness of aquaculture within local communities.

From engaging with schools, colleges and universities, to developing leadership and management training programmes that support staff development across the company, she actively promotes aquaculture as a modern and rewarding career.

In particular, she helped devise and now delivers the Into Aquaculture course at Oban High School, which is entering its third year and continues to strengthen links between education and industry.

Irene, one of two Rising Stars named, alongside Sam Laurenson of Blueshell Mussels, said:

‘I’m thrilled to win this award, especially with such an impressive line-up, and want to thank my colleagues at Scottish Sea Farms for their support and for giving me a free rein to pursue my outreach projects.

‘Developing future talent is so rewarding in itself and being recognised for doing a job I love is a moment I will treasure.’

The Animal Health and Welfare Award went to Scottish Sea Farms’ team at Lerwick Plankton Lab, Hannah Bloomer and Lillee May, who deliver one of the sector’s most advanced early-warning systems for fish health and environmental monitoring.

Using specialist imaging technology, they analyse daily samples from Shetland salmon farms, enabling the rapid identification of plankton and jellyfish activity that could pose a risk to fish health, allowing farms to take preventative action early.

Collecting their award, Hannah and Lillee said:

‘Fish welfare is at the centre of everything we do and it’s rewarding to see how the monitoring work can make a real difference on farm. The team works incredibly hard behind the scenes, and this award reflects that collective effort.’

To crown a memorable night for Scottish Sea Farms, the coveted Farmer of the Year accolade went to Holms Geo Farm Manager John Henderson, hailed for his leadership in transforming his farm into a model of strong husbandry, teamwork and proactive fish health management.

John said:

‘This is award is for the whole team at Holms Geo and I’m delighted to collect it on their behalf.

‘Together, I think we have made a real improvement to how the farm has performed and also, by example, helped to strengthen farming practices and team capability across the wider business.’

Scottish Sea Farms Managing Director Jim Gallagher said:

‘Our award winners tonight are all shining examples of the exceptional calibre of people who work at Scottish Sea Farms.

‘Individually and as part of their wider teams, they exemplify our commitment not just to producing top-quality salmon but to making a difference in the communities where we farm. We couldn’t be prouder of you all.’

The awards were among 13 prizes unveiled at a gala dinner at the Hilton Glasgow Hotel last night during the Aquaculture UK exhibition and conference, which runs at the SEC in Glasgow from June 16-17.

Image: Aquaculture Awards 2026