UK seafood awards celebrate sustainability leaders
The UK seafood awards recognise sustainable fishing, responsible salmon farming, retail leadership and lifetime contributions
Two UK fisheries and Scottish salmon producer MOWI claimed four leading honours at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) UK Awards 2026, recognising contributions to sustainable seafood production and responsible fishing.
Presented at a gala dinner at Fishmongers’ Hall in London, the awards named Newlyn-based skipper Tom Lambourn MSC UK Fishing Hero of the Year, while the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation (SSMO) Brown Crab and Scallop fishery received the MSC UK Ocean Leadership Award. MOWI secured both ASC UK Farmer of the Year and ASC UK Brand of the Year.
SSMO’s fishery, comprising around 100 day boats, lands approximately 230 tonnes of crab and 1,000 tonnes of scallops annually. Judges recognised its science-led approach to protecting stocks and the marine environment.
“This is a fabulous achievement. I’m impressed that our small island fishery can make big waves in the MSC world,” said SSMO inshore coordinator John Robertson, crediting scientific support from the University of the Highlands and Islands Shetland.
Lambourn was recognised for promoting sustainable Cornish sardines through industry initiatives, including the Cornish Sardine Festival and the Cornish Sardine Management Association.
“In Tom Lambourn and the SSMO Brown Crab and Scallop fishery we have an individual and a fishery demonstrating unwavering commitment to sustainable fishing practices and a passion for promoting their quality products,” said Lewis Tattersall, MSC UK and Ireland’s senior fisheries outreach manager.
MOWI’s double win followed 11 years of ASC certification in Scotland, with its certified salmon farms now numbering more than 30.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive both ASC Farmer of the Year and Brand of the Year,” said David Shaw, commercial director of Mowi Consumer Products UK, highlighting the dedication of farming teams to meeting certification requirements.
Other winners included Tesco for MSC UK Supermarket of the Year, Sainsbury’s for ASC UK Supermarket of the Year, and Rockfish for MSC UK Foodservice Champion of the Year. Lifetime achievement awards went to Su Cox and Wynne Griffiths, recognising decades of industry contribution.
