Fisheries New Zealand has announced finalists for the upcoming Seafood Sustainability Awards.
The awards are an opportunity to celebrate outstanding contributions to sustainability and innovation across the seafood sector shared by the Director-General, Dan Bolger.
"Having a sustainable seafood sector means ensuring our oceans are healthy both now and for future generations. People have always been at the heart of these efforts, and I’m pleased these awards recognise some of the excellent contributions to this important mahi,” said Bolger.
Bolger elaborated that as an island nation with one the most significant oceans in the world, where New Zealanders fish for sport, enjoyment, and to provide for families, the Fisheries and Aquaculture industry and sector was responsible for bringing in 1.9 billion NZD into the country and created numerous jobs nationwide.
Rosemary Hurst, chair of this year’s judging panel and the recipient of the inaugural Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award in 2020, stated that narrowing down the entries into finalists was not an easy task, with the volume and quantity of entries serving as a reminder of New Zealand’s talent and commitment to the sector.
"From innovative seaweed harvesters to decades-long contributions to fisheries science, to an impressive crop of future leaders, great people are working to ensure the sustainability of our seafood sector," shared Hurst.
There were several categories for which companies and individuals could be categorised as finalists, including Operational Innovator, Market Innovator, Ocean Guardian, Tangata Kaitiaki/ Tiaki, and Future Leader.
All award winners for these categories as well as the winner of the Supreme Sustainability Award and the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award will be announced at the awards ceremony being held at Parliament on 6 June.
Finalists include Premium Seas, S&S Floats, and Domjan Talijancich for Operational Innovator. Tora Collective, Premium Seas, and New Fish for Market Innovator. Scott and Sue Tindale, Tindale Marine Research, Dr Keith Michael (NIWA), Adam Hutchinson, and the Fishing Rules App for Ocean Guardian. Ngaa Hapuu o Te Uru o Tainui Iwi Fisheries Forum, Mai-Paritu-tae-atu-ki-Turakirae Fisheries Forum, and the Mai i Ngā Kuri a Whārei ki Tihirau Fisheries Forum for the Tangata Kaitiaki/ Tiaki.
Finally, finalists for the Future Leader category include Troy Bramley and Claire Edwards, Tora Collective, Ben Pierce, Young Fish, Sarah Bynevelt, and Sanford.
