Australia’s leading seafood businesses are driving seafood sustainability forward, with both major retailers and producers setting new benchmarks in seafood supply and processing.
Retailers, producers and innovators were honoured at the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) 2026 Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia, with winners selected for delivering measurable improvements in seafood sustainability, transparency and supply chain performance.
“As expectations from customers, NGOs, regulators and investors continue to rise, transparency, traceability and credible assurance have become more important than ever,” said Ellie Dixon, market development manager, ASC.
Sustainability focus
Major supermarkets ALDI, Coles and Woolworths dominated the awards, reflecting the growing influence of retail in shaping sustainable seafood supply.
ALDI Australia secured the ASC Best Responsible Seafood Retailer Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognised for making certified seafood widely accessible and affordable while driving consumer awareness through national campaigns.
This approach is expanding demand for responsibly farmed products and embedding seafood sustainability into everyday purchasing decisions. Coles was awarded MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket, with judges highlighting its rigorous sourcing policies, transparent reporting and strong consumer engagement.
Its structured approach to traceability and certification is strengthening confidence across seafood supply chains while supporting long-term supplier relationships.
Woolworths Group received both the MSC Community Champion Award and the ASC Aquaculture Champion Award, reflecting its investment-led model to improve seafood supply.
Through initiatives such as the Ocean Pool Fund, the retailer is supporting suppliers to innovate, improve environmental performance and transition toward certification, directly influencing standards across seafood processing and production.
Among producers, Humpty Doo Barramundi stood out for its wetland recirculating aquaculture system, which reduces environmental impact while maintaining high production efficiency. Its partnerships with First Nations communities also demonstrate how sustainable seafood operations can deliver both environmental and social value.
Brand-level progress was also recognised, with I&J advancing ASC-certified products across its seafood supply chain, while Little Tuna secured strong consumer backing through a public vote, indicating rising market demand for verified sustainable products.
