Kames Chairman recognised in New Year Honours

Cannon, a well-known figure in the sector, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the Sustainable Development of the Aquaculture Industry in Scotland.

Stuart Cannon personally pioneered fish husbandry and welfare techniques in the early days of fish farming in the UK, helping to influence best practice in the global aquaculture industry today. He was the first to grow trout in cages in freshwater lochs, he pioneered cage construction and helped establish many farms around the world – from Chile and Greece to the Middle East and Sri Lanka to Africa and Europe. 

He initiated the triploidisation of trout, preventing interbreeding between wild and farmed stock, and helped develop many vaccines and histology systems for better fish health monitoring – always focusing on applying academic research and development to practical farm life, with the aim of looking forward, maintaining the environment and achieving the best quality of fish health. 

His philosophy has always been: “You farm for the future.”

In 2022, Kames was named Best Aquaculture Company in the Aquaculture Awards and the business continues to be highly regarded in the industry.

Commenting on the announcement, Cannon said: ““I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the MBE by the King and very proud to have been a part of the development of the aquaculture industry in Scotland for over 50 years.

“Fish is a wonderful protein for our ever-growing population, with one of the lowest carbon footprints, and there are many within the industry who strive for sustainable development and high, rigorous standards for the welfare and quality of our fish and care of our environment. It’s very encouraging to see some of that hard work and passion recognised in the public eye.”