Lifelong fish welfare advocate honoured at aquaculture event
The AqKva Award at this year's AqKva conference in Bergen went to Brit Tørud for her long-term and significant contributions to the aquaculture industry.
Published
Modified
This year's award was presented during the gala dinner at the AqKva conference, which was held in Bergen yesterday.
In the jury's reasoning, it is stated that Brit Tørud fully meets the requirements for both long-term commitment and solid effort.
The jury highlights her strong commitment to fish welfare, which alone makes her a worthy winner. She is also the initiator of the prestigious Fish Welfare Award, which is now presented by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, the Institute of Marine Research, and Norwegian Fish Farming (Norsk Fiskeoppdrett) magazine.
In addition to her nearly ten years at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Tørud has experience from public administration in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, work in fish health services, and as general manager of ova and smolt production.
She completed her veterinary education at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science and graduated in 1976. Between 2004 and 2007, she completed a master's degree in aquatic medicine at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (NVH) and later took courses in business understanding and management at BI Norwegian Business School.
An innovator and advocate for fish welfare
Tørud received several nominations from the public.
Brit Tørud has made an outstanding effort to put welfare on the agenda within production, management, and academia
Award nomination
One states: "I believe that Brit Tørud, formerly employed at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute and now an advisor, has made an outstanding effort to put welfare on the agenda within production, management, and academia. She is a skilled educator and has truly contributed to increasing both the 'value' and welfare of the juvenile fish through her work. In addition, she is the initiator of the annual fish welfare award."
Even after having to end her work at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute due to the age limit, Tørud has continued to contribute actively as an advisor and in project positions. Her work and commitment have made her well-liked and highly respected among colleagues, industry players, management bodies, and animal welfare activists.
