Winners awarded at the 2026 Australia Sustainable Seafood Awards.
Photo: MSC
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) have recently recognised businesses and individuals in Australia for their contribution to sustainable seafood production through the 2026 Australian Sustainable Seafood Awards.
The awards highlight achievements across the Australian seafood supply chain, from retailers to producers and young aquaculture professionals, based on their commitment to certified responsible practices under the ASC and MSC programmes.
According to the organisers, the awards come at a time when transparency, traceability and independent verification are becoming increasingly important across seafood supply chains.
“These trailblazing businesses are demonstrating leadership through the adoption of independent, science-based standards,” said Ellie Dixon, ASC Market Development Manager, via a joint press release.
Anne Gabriel, MSC Program Director for Oceania and Singapore, added the awards also reflect growing consumer interest in sustainability claims.
“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,” she said. “The winners recognised this year are helping build confidence across seafood supply chains and among the public.”
Among the major retail winners, ALDI Australia received the ASC Best Responsible Seafood Retailer Award for the fourth consecutive year. The judging panel said the retailer stood out for making ASC-certified seafood widely accessible and affordable, supported by national campaigns promoting responsible aquaculture.
Coles was awarded MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket, with judges remarking on its sourcing policies, reporting and consumer engagement, while Woolworths Group received both the MSC Community Champion Award and the ASC Aquaculture Champion Award for initiatives embedded across its seafood supply chain.
In the producer and brand categories, Humpty Doo Barramundi was named ASC Best Responsible Producer, having recently become the first barramundi farm in Australia to obtain ASC certification, while I&J received ASC Best Responsible Seafood Brand. Meanwhile, Little Tuna won the MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Brand award following a public vote in which it secured more than 50% of votes cast.
The awards also recognised emerging talent in aquaculture. Ryan Stallard of Skretting Australia and Laura Hodge of Tassal Group received the ASC Young Person in Aquaculture Awards for their work on environmental performance and innovation.
Seafood industry expert John Susman argued this year's nominees “demonstrate significant industry progress,” adding, “Across both farmed and wild seafood we’re seeing producers, retailers, scientists and innovators working together to lift standards, ensuring Australians can enjoy seafood with confidence while protecting our marine environments.”