Western Australia’s seafood industry has won four out of twelve awards at the 2019 National Seafood Industry Awards, Australia’s biggest biennial celebration of the sector.
The WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) chief executive, Alex Ogg, said that the awards were a well-deserved acknowledgement and an incredible success for WA’s contributions on a national scale.
Mendolia Seafoods won the Environment Award for its sustainable packaging for locally-sourced sardines. “Addressing single use plastics is one of the most significant challenges ahead of industry," said Alex Ogg. "Mendolia Seafoods has shown great innovation to develop a plastic free, biodegradable 'Burley Brick', turning Western Australia into a leader in the fight on plastic free pollution," he added.
Taking home the Small Business Award was Fins Seafood for its retail enterprise that focuses on the logistical journey from ocean to plate. “Fins Seafood directly connects seafood lovers with our producers, offering premium seafood in a reliable, energetic and transparent way," said Mr Ogg.
The Safety Award was presented to Paspaley for its development and maintenance of a culture of safety that has contributed substantially towards improving the safety record of Australia’s seafood industry and Justine Arnold won the Young Achiever Award for making a positive difference to Australia’s seafood industry.
Also honoured at the event on Melbourne's South Wharf Boat Builders Yard were three West Australians, Dr Jenny Shaw, Greg Jenkins and Jim Mendolia, who were inducted into the National Seafood Industry Hall of Fame.
