Global non-profit organisations, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), have recognised farms, fisheries, retailers and individuals working to secure the long-term sustainability of Australia’s seafood industry, at the 2026 Sustainable Seafood Awards.
The global population is projected to reach around 8.6 billion by 2030, and relies on seafood as a protein source. Sustainably managed fisheries and responsibly farmed seafood are critical to meeting the world’s growing demand and long-term food security.
According to the United Nations more than one third of global fish populations are in decline and around 60 per cent are fished to their biological limit. With more than 60 per cent of seafood now farmed and global demand continuing to rise, sustainable production practices are increasingly critical and Australia’s leadership in certified blue foods supports climate resilience.
Independent certification and science-based standards play an important role in ensuring trust and transparency across seafood supply chains. Consumers can now choose from more than 500 ASC and MSC labelled seafood products on Australian retail shelves, spanning chilled, ambient and frozen seafood, as well as products used in pet food, supplements and beauty products.
ASC market development manager, Ellie Dixon, said the Sustainable Seafood 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,” said Dixon.
“These trailblazing businesses are demonstrating leadership through the adoption of independent, science-based standards.”
Major Australian retailers Aldi, Coles and Woolworths were recognised for their leadership in sustainable seafood.
Aldi Australia received the ASC Best Responsible Seafood Retailer Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognised for its accessible, affordable ASC-certified seafood and national campaigns promoting responsible aquaculture choices.
Coles was awarded MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket, with judges commending its strong sourcing policies, transparent reporting and consumer engagement.
Woolworths Group received both the MSC Community Champion Award and the ASC Aquaculture Champion Award for embedding sustainability initiatives across its seafood supply chain.
The full list of award winners includes:
- 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
- MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket – Coles Supermarkets
- MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Product – Walker’s Tuna Preserved Australian Albacore Tuna 3kg 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 (decided by public vote) – 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,” said Gabriel.
“The winners recognised this year are helping build confidence across seafood supply chains and among the public.”
