North Queensland prawn farm Pacific Reef Tigers and abalone producer Yumbah were two of the big winners in Australia’s latest annual Sustainable Seafood Awards, held by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) in partnership with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) at Melbourne Zoo, ahead of Sustainable Seafood Week (27 March – 3 April 2023).
ASC Australia’s Duncan Leadbitter said: “Not only do we want to recognise the aquaculture farms that are located in some of the most beautiful parts of the country, but we are also wholeheartedly impressed by the overall supply chain that has taken the extra step to ensure our seafood is responsibly sourced. With aquaculture being a growth industry in rural Australia it is very rewarding to see growing opportunities for young people to have access to challenging and rewarding careers in the Australian seafood industry. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone working hard to make responsible seafood a reality in Australia.”
Pacific Reef Tigers took home the ASC Best Responsible Producer Award for its innovative water quality control system that cleans wastewater to a level where it can be reused. It reduces nutrient pollution to below the global best-practice of 5mg/L nitrogen and 1mg/L phosphorus and is both carbon neutral and chemical free. As well as reducing the environmental impact of the farm, this innovation also increases the efficiency of its operations.
Eco Aquaculture Australia (Pacific Reef Tigers) Executive General Manager, Dallas Donovan said: “Continuous improvement in sustainable aquaculture production is critical, not because it’s fashionable but because it’s the right thing to do. Use of the RegenAqua, all-natural, water treatment system provides a viable and highly effective option for both fresh and saltwater aquaculture operators to improve wastewater quality and participate in the circular economy.”
Yumbah landed the ASC Above and Beyond Award for its Indigenous engagement and measures to reduce energy use, packaging and plastics. Yumbah was also highly commended in the ASC Best Responsible Producer Award category for its integrated approach to managing and communicating environmental responsibilities.
Caleb Trenberth, Propagation Manager at Yumbah was also highly commended for the ASC Young Person in Aquaculture Award. He’s responsible for propagating 6 million abalone each year to supply both the Yumbah Port Lincoln (South Australia) and Narrawong (Victoria) farms.
“Yumbah understands that responsible farming is fundamental to a sustainable future and to earning the trust of our customers and communities. ASC accreditation is a mark of that trust which enables these customers and communities to share the joy of shellfish with confidence that we are farming for current and future generations,” Yumbah CEO David Wood said.
Taking home the ASC Best Retailer Award was Aldi Australia, which was recognised for its overall approach to responsible reporting and policies. Wollongong seafood store Harley and Johns was highly recommended for the same award. Aldi Australia’s Specially Selected smoked rainbow trout fillets also won the ASC Best Product Award.
“It is fantastic to receive recognition from both the Marine and Aquaculture Stewardship Councils for our responsible fish and seafood sourcing. To be awarded the Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket Award as well as the Best Retailer award reflects the effort and dedication of our team towards supplying the highest quality products while ensuring we act sustainably and responsibly across our entire supply chain,” Aldi Australia Corporate Responsibility Director, Daniel Baker said.
KB Food Company won the ASC Best New Product category for its Fish Creatures, an educational product that’s specifically designed to engage children in the world of seafood and teach them about responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
The ASC Young Person in Aquaculture Award went to Jody Mulholland from Proserpine, QLD, an employee of Tassal who has made incredible strides in enhancing sustainability management at Tassal’s ASC-certified Proserpine Prawn farm. Tassal was also highly commended in the ASC Above and Beyond Award category for its efforts to reduce Green House Gases at their ASC-certified salmon farms in southeastern Tasmania. A shift to electric pumps has resulted in reductions in noise and a million litres of diesel.
Tasmanian, Hobart-based seafood supplier and restaurant owner Mures was acknowledged for its ongoing commitment to responsible aquaculture and making information about responsible aquaculture production available to consumers in both their retail and food service outlets, winning the Aquaculture Champion 2023 Award.
