ASC Recognises Australia’s Leaders in Responsible Aquaculture at 2026 Sustainable Seafood Awards

Australia’s seafood leaders have been recognised for setting the benchmark in responsible seafood production at the 2026 Sustainable Seafood Awards, an initiative of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Marine Stewardship Council celebrating organisations and individuals helping secure the long term sustainability of Australia’s seafood industry.

With the global population projected to reach 8.6 billion by 2030, seafood will continue to play a vital role as a nutritious and efficient protein source. Sustainably managed fisheries and responsibly farmed seafood are critical to meeting growing demand while safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting long term food security.

According to the United Nations, more than one third of global fish populations are in decline and around 60 percent are fished to their biological limit. With over 60 percent of seafood now farmed and demand continuing to rise, responsible aquaculture is increasingly central to climate resilience and sustainable food systems.

Panel: Changing Expectations, Raising the bar from farm to Feed. Humpty Doo Barramundi’s Aneta Ilievska, Skretting’s Jenna Bowyer and ASC Market Development Manager Ellie Dixon.

ASC Leadership in Responsible Aquaculture

Ellie Dixon (ASC) and Anne Gabriel (MSC)

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council recognised leaders across Australia’s aquaculture sector who are advancing responsible production, transparency and innovation.

ASC Market Development Manager Ellie Dixon said the winners demonstrate best practice across Australia’s aquaculture industry.

“As expectations from customers, NGOs, regulators and investors continue to rise, transparency, traceability and credible assurance have become more important than ever. These trailblazing businesses are demonstrating leadership through the adoption of independent, science based standards.” Dixon said

Consumers now have access to more than 500 ASC labelled seafood products on Australian retail shelves, reflecting growing demand for responsibly farmed seafood and increased availability across the market.

2026 ASC Award Winners

ASC Best Responsible Seafood Retailer

Winner: ALDI Australia

Judges recognised ALDI for its strong leadership in responsible seafood sourcing, including accessible and affordable certified seafood and high impact national campaigns that helped millions of Australians choose responsibly sourced seafood.

ASC Best Responsible Seafood Brand

Winner: I&J

I&J was recognised for exceptional leadership in sourcing certified seafood, expanding its ASC labelled range and effectively communicating its commitment to responsible aquaculture.

ASC Best Responsible Seafood Producer

Winner: Humpty Doo Barramundi

Judges highlighted the producer’s pioneering wetland recirculating system and strong engagement with Indigenous communities through on country aquaculture partnerships, setting a benchmark for responsible aquaculture.

Highly Commended: Tassal
Tassal was recognised for strong environmental leadership, including circular economy innovations and large scale coastal initiatives.

ASC Best Responsible Seafood Product

Winner: Birds Eye Steam Fresh Prawns Garlic Butter & Oil

Judges selected the product for its clear on pack labelling and storytelling, making responsible seafood easy to recognise while positioning frozen seafood as a fresh, healthy and convenient option for new consumers.

Highly Commended: KB Food Co’s, Sharky Shaped Fish Bites

Described by judges as “the new nugget”, the product was praised for its creativity and appeal to younger consumers, helping encourage children to eat more seafood while promoting responsible choices.

ASC Change Maker

Winner: Bidfood Australia

Bidfood was recognised for expanding the reach of responsibly farmed seafood through leadership, collaboration and innovation across the supply chain.

ASC Making Waves

Winner: Skretting Australia

This award celebrates a new partner demonstrating early leadership and commitment to responsible seafood production.

ASC Aquaculture Champion

Winner: Woolworths Group

Woolworths was recognised for working behind the scenes with producers to drive improvement and create meaningful impact across responsible aquaculture.

ASC Young Person in Aquaculture

Winner: Laura Hodge, Tassal Group
Laura was recognised for transformative environmental leadership, driving improvements in environmental monitoring, spill prevention and sustainability initiatives.

Winner: Ryan Stallard, Skretting Australia
Ryan was recognised for leadership in achieving Australia’s first ASC certified feed mill, a landmark milestone for the industry.

MSC Winners

For the full list of Marine Stewardship Council winners from the 2026 Sustainable Seafood Awards visit MSC

Driving the Future of Responsible Seafood

ASC certification supports farms and feed mills that meet rigorous environmental and social requirements, helping drive continuous improvement in aquaculture practices and strengthening trust across seafood supply chains.

By recognising leaders across the industry and championing science based certification, ASC continues to advance responsible aquaculture and support the future of sustainable seafood in Australia and globally.

Our 2026 Sustainable Seafood Award Trophies were made by DEFY from 100% recycled ocean plastic gathered by the Ocean Earth Foundation.