• Coles, ALDI, Woolworths, Taronga Zoo and Austral Fisheries amongst those named in the Marine Stewardship Council’s 2020 Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia
• 16 winners across 10 categories based on impact, commitment, momentum and leadership
• Announced as part of Sustainable Seafood Week Australia (9-15 March 2020), the Awards celebrate those who support the MSC’s mission to ensure a future full of fish

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has today announced the winners of its fourth annual Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia, which recognise pioneering organisations and individuals helping to end overfishing and ensure plentiful seafood supplies for future generations.

Ten awards and five commendations were given by the prestigious judging panel, which included leaders from the fishing and sustainability sectors, while the People’s Choice Award was decided by a national public vote.  

Coles was named Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket again in 2020, thanks to its wide offering of MSC certified products with the blue fish tick across its fresh, chilled, frozen and tinned seafood. Additionally, the supermarket chain took home Best Sustainable Seafood Public Engagement and was Highly Commended in the Best Sustainable Seafood Product category for its MSC certified Aussie Banana Prawn Skewers - Garlic & Chilli.

“We know our customers love seafood and we are delighted to be able to offer a wide range of fresh, delicious seafood while giving them the confidence that it’s been responsibly sourced. We are proud to be recognised by the MSC for our commitments and achievements to responsibly sourced seafood,” said Brad Cook, Coles General Manager Own Brand, Quality and Responsible Sourcing.

“We’re also excited to see our MSC certified garlic and chilli banana prawns receive a Highly Commended award in the product category, as this was a direct result of us listening to our customers and responding to demand over the busy summer entertaining period”, added Cook. 

ALDI was also recognised for the first time in the national awards, taking home Best Sustainable Seafood Mid-Size Retailer, as well as being Highly Commended for its MSC certified Ocean Rise Smoked European Sprats in the Best Sustainable Seafood Product category.

Kate Doctor,  Buying Director of Seafood at ALDI Australia, commented, “We show our devotion to the ocean through sustainable sourcing and transparency, ultimately helping customers support responsible fishing and farming practices.
 
“We are thrilled to be the Australian retailer with the largest range of MSC certified own-label fish and seafood, and to be recognised for our shared commitment to end overfishing.”

Other big winners included Taronga Zoo and Austral Fisheries. Taronga Zoo took home Best Sustainable Seafood Venue for featuring MSC certified seafood in all its restaurants and cafés, alongside Best Sustainable Seafood Public Engagement for its Seal Show, which educates over a million visitors annually on the importance of choosing MSC certified sustainable seafood. 

Austral Fisheries was awarded Best Sustainable Seafood Product for its carbon-neutral fish, Glacier 51, which is served up at top restaurants across Australia like Nobu, Sake and Rockpool, while its CEO, David Carter, was given the Lifetime Achievement award.

New for 2020, the MSC introduced its People’s Choice Award, giving the general public the chance to vote for their favourite of seven household name brands - from seafood specialists to retailers. Woolworths was crowned winner, with 30% of the vote. 

Anne Gabriel, MSC Oceania Program Director, noted, “These awards not only influence what seafood lovers see in stores and on menus, but give well-deserved credit to the people who work tirelessly to ensure seafood supplies for years to come. 

“While we’ve certainly begun making waves in reversing the cycle of decline in ocean health, there is so much more that needs to be done. 

“Our vision is of the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. With the help of organisations and individuals like our Sustainable Seafood Award winners, and through the use of the MSC blue fish tick label on all certified products, we are transforming the seafood market to a sustainable one, in turn helping to create a future full of fish for all.” 

MSC Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia 2020 Winners

• Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket: Coles
• Best Sustainable Seafood Venue: Taronga Zoo
• Best Sustainable Seafood Mid-Size Retailer: ALDI Australia
• Best Sustainable Seafood Distributor: Bidfood
• Lifetime Achievement: David Carter, Austral Fisheries
• Best Sustainable Seafood Local Retailer: The Fish Shoppe, Melbourne
• Rising Star: Robert Morales, Executive Chef, CHEFIN
• Best Sustainable Seafood Public Engagement: The Seal Show at Taronga Zoo and Coles
• People’s Choice Award: Woolworths
• Best Sustainable Seafood Product: Glacier 51 Toothfish
  
  

Highly Commended Sustainable Seafood Products:

• ALDI Ocean Rise Smoked European Sprats
• Coles Aussie Banana Prawns – Garlic & Chilli
• Skull Island Tiger Prawns
• Paspaley Pearl Meat
• John West Alaskan Salmon range