Fishing News Awards: Make your nominations now!
2nd February 2022
Make your nominations now!
The gala presentation evening for this year’s Fishing News Awards, which celebrates excellence across the industry during 2021, will take place at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen on Thursday, 12 May – and the search is now on for this year’s winners.
Sam Birt, last year’s winner of Trainee Fisherman of the Year.
The celebratory evening will include a drinks reception, followed by a top-class seafood meal with wine, and will be hosted by acclaimed Scottish comedian and television presenter Des Clarke.
It will culminate with the announcement of this year’s award winners – and nominations are now open to find the people, organisations and companies most deserving of recognition.
Last year’s winners included Trainee Fisherman of the Year Sam Birt, who at the age of 17 already had seven years’ industry experience under his belt.
He divides his time between working on his father’s boat KT-SAM, making gear for the local fleet and helping out in his parents’ fish shop, Lyme Bay Fish Shack – which won the Independent Retailer of the Year award, netting a double win for the family.
Sam said: “This award means a lot to me, as I’m very proud to be a fisherman and part of the South West fishing community.”
U10 Fisherman of the Year 2020 Tristan Northway.
The winner of the new U10 Fisherman of the Year category last year was Tristan Northway, owner of the single-handed Adela, the smallest day-hauler in the Brixham fleet, who adapted his fishing business when the Covid crisis struck to sell direct to the public.
He told us: “This award is a massive achievement for me, and I’m proud to put it on display.”
Boddam skipper James Stephen won the Lifetime Achievement Award last year…
The Lifetime Achievement Award was won jointly last year by fifth-generation Boddam skipper and industry leader James Stephen, and Jim Portus, chief executive of the South Western FPO for over 30 years.
Jim said: “I am utterly thrilled to be the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. It truly is the crowing glory of a wonderful life at the helm of SWFPO Ltd.”
James added: “It means a lot to me to achieve this award. I feel very humbled to have shared it with Jim Portus.”
… along with SWFPO chief Jim Portus.
Who do you want to see honoured at this year’s awards? Do you have a skipper who has inspired you in your career, or an outstanding new recruit working their way up aboard your boat?
Has a company, organisation or individual provided you with exceptional service this year, or a port or landing area gone above and beyond to support your vessel?
We are relying on you to tell us about the people, companies and organisations all around the coast who deserve recognition, so that this year’s awards really do celebrate the very best of the UK and Irish industries.
Find out more about the awards here, and make your nominations now by clicking here.
Watch last year’s virtual presentation featuring 2021’s winners below…
