The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Award finalists highlight the wide range of excellent work underway to keep the seafood sector productive and fisheries healthy.
The finalists for this year’s awards include people and groups with projects ranging from reseeding initiatives and innovative fishing methods to new ways of transforming waste into value-added products.
"We’re an island nation, with one of the largest oceans in the world. It sustains the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who go fishing for fun, sport and food, and is also a significant earner, bringing in NZD 2.2 billion in exports and providing thousands of jobs all around the country," said Deputy Director-General, Fisheries New Zealand Dan Bolger.
"Making the most of our ocean resources requires hard work, dedication and innovation from many people from across New Zealand. These awards recognise the individuals, businesses, iwi organisations, and not-for-profits who are demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainability and innovation in our seafood sector."
Fisheries New Zealand received a high number of quality entries, and it was not easy for the independent panel of judges to select just three finalists for each category.
"The judges were pleased to see a variety of entrants, including large-scale enterprises and boutique businesses, and veterans of industry as well as relative newcomers, all demonstrating fresh thinking and a ‘can-do’ attitude.”
The finalists for each category are:
Operational Innovator Award, sponsored by Fishserve
Scallop Survey Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Team, NIWA/Earth Sciences New Zealand.
Rob Ansley (Ocean Pearl Fisheries), Keith Mawson (Egmont Seafoods), Jerome Chua (Massey University), and Mark Peychers (Fiordland Lobster Company).
Aaron Pannell, Flip Farm.
Market Innovator Award, sponsored by Aquaculture New Zealand
Alex Worker, Nutrition from Water.
Clare Bradley, Agrisea.
Jake Dikstaal, Leigh Fish.
Future Leader Award
William Macdonald, Rangitāne o Wairau.
Alex Hannon, Transition Technologies Ltd.
Tamar Wells, Seafood New Zealand.
Ocean Guardian Award, sponsored by Dragonfly Data Science
Ngatiwai Ki Whangaruru Whenua Topu Trust Mohimohi Moana Project.
Fiordland Marine Guardians.
Mike Rhodes, Talley’s Limited.
Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award, sponsored by Te Ohu Kaimoana
Te Kohuroa Rewilding.
Professor Kura Paul-Burke, University of Waikato.
Whangai Mokopuna Rohe Moana Management Group.
The winner of the Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award, sponsored by Seafood New Zealand, will be selected from winners across these categories.
"Fishers spend more time on the water than most, so they are seeing first-hand the changes in our environment – like climate change and sedimentation. Their connection to the sea runs deep,” said the chief executive of Seafood New Zealand, Lisa Futschek.
"These awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the mahi of not only the commercial sector but all Kiwis making a difference in this area. Congratulations to all the finalists. By sharing their stories and honouring their efforts, I am certain we will inspire even more ideas and action to help sustain and protect our moana."
In addition, a Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award will be presented to recognise a long-term contribution to sustainability and innovation in the seafood sector.
The winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony at Parliament on the 11th of September 2025.
