Australia’s sustainable seafood champions are winners

The 2026 Sustainable Seafood Awards is an initiative of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), two global organisations that set internationally recognised standards for seafood farming and wild-capture fisheries. The awards are designed to celebrate farms, fisheries, retailers and individuals working to secure the long-term sustainability of Australia’s seafood industry.

ASC Market Development Manager Ellie Dixon said the award winners represent best practice across Australia’s seafood sector.

“As expectations from customers, NGOs, regulators and investors continue to rise, transparency, traceability and credible assurance have become more important than ever,” Dixon said.

“These trailblazing businesses are demonstrating leadership through the adoption of independent, science-based standards.”

Major Australian retailers ALDI, Coles and Woolworths were all recognised for their leadership in sustainable seafood — with ALDI Australia receiving the ASC Best Responsible Seafood Retailer Award for the fourth consecutive year.

“ALDI distinguished itself through accessible, affordable ASC-certified seafood and national campaigns that helped millions of Australians choose responsible aquaculture,” the judging panel said.

Other highlights

Humpty Doo Barramundi was awarded ASC Best Responsible Producer for its wetland recirculating aquaculture system and community engagement, including partnerships with First Nations communities.

I&J received ASC Best Responsible Seafood Brand for its progress in adopting ASC-certified products across its supply chain and Little Tuna won MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Brand based on a public vote — winning over 50% of the votes.

Two of Tasmania’s emerging stars were awarded the ASC Young Person in Aquaculture Awards recognising Ryan Stallard (Skretting Australia) and Laura Hodge (Tassal Group) for their leadership in advancing environmental performance and innovation across aquaculture operations.

The full list of this year’s ASC Awards was:

• ASC Best Responsible Seafood Retailer — ALDI Australia
• ASC Best Responsible Seafood Brand — I&J
• ASC Best Responsible Producer — Humpty Doo Barramundi
• ASC Best Responsible Seafood Product — Birds Eye — Steam Fresh Prawns, Garlic Butter & Oil
• ASC Changemaker — Bidfood Australia
• ASC Making Waves — Skretting Australia
• ASC Young Person In Aquaculture — Ryan Stallard — Skretting Australia
• ASC Young Person In Aquaculture — Laura Hodge — Tassal Group
• ASC Aquaculture Champion — Woolworths Group
   

The full list of MSC Awards was: 

• MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket — Coles Supermarkets
• MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Product — Walker’s Tuna Preserved Australian Albacore Tuna 3 kg Pouches
• MSC Sustainable Fishing Hero — Grant Walter — Tasmanian Seafoods
• MSC Community Champion — Woolworths Group and John West ‘Trace your Tuna’
• MSC Lifetime Achievement — Paul Maguire — Taronga Zoo
• MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Brand — Little Tuna
   

MSC Program Director for Oceania and Singapore Anne Gabriel said Australians increasingly want confidence that their seafood comes from sustainable sources.

“At a time when sustainability claims are under increasing scrutiny and concerns about greenwashing are growing, credible, science-based certification is more important than ever,” Gabriel said.

“The winners recognised this year are helping build confidence across seafood supply chains and among the public.”