award winners & finalists 2024

Winner: Sienna Green

Finalists:

• Roberta Marcoli
• Irving Furedi

Judges Comment: Sienna Green, for her significant contributions to the industry at a young age, showcasing passion, dedication, and leadership.

Caption: Young Achiever Award winner Sienna Green with Stefan Diacos, Acting CEO, A Raptis and Sons

Winner: Austral Fisheries

Finalists:

• David Liotta
• Australian Prawn Farmers Association

Judges Comment: Austral Fisheries – Austral Academy, for its commitment to cultivating the next generation of seafood industry professionals through education, mentorship, and sustainability initiatives.

Caption: People Development Award winner Austral Fisheries with Daniel Musson, CEO, Australian Food Super

Winner: Tuna Australia

Finalists:

• Tassal
• The University of Queensland

Judges Comment: Tuna Australia, for its pioneering research efforts and innovative solutions addressing critical industry priorities, particularly in tuna longline fishing.

Caption: Research, Development & Extension Award winner Tuna Australia with Dr Patrick Hone, Managing Director, FRDC

Winner: Ridley Agriproducts

Finalist:

• Australian Ocean King Prawn Company
• Tassal

Judges Comment: Ridley Agriproducts received acclaim for its groundbreaking fish-free feed, contributing to sustainable prawn production and environmental stewardship.

Caption: Environment Award winner Ridley Agriproducts with The Hon. Mark Furner MP, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, and Minister for Rural Communities

Winner: Tuna Australia

Finalists:

• Ornatas

Judges Comment: Tuna Australia’s innovative research and development initiatives were recognised for their significant contributions to enhancing safety within the tuna longline fishing sector.

Caption: Health & Safety Award winner Tuna Australia with Julie Petty, General Manager Project and Policy, SIA

Winner: Australian Prawn Farms

Finalist:

• Mainstream Aqua
• Mark Grey

Captions: Primary Producer Award winner Australian Prawn Farms with David Bobberman on behalf of Peter Frazis, MG Kailis Lobster

Winner: Little Tuna

Finalists:

• Malanda Seafood
• Silver Sea Seafoods

Judges Comment: Little Tuna, was celebrated for its remarkable growth, dedication to quality and sustainability, and innovative marketing strategies.

Caption: Business Award (Small) winner Little Tuna with Matt West, President, Australian Prawn Farmers Assoc.

Winner: Independent Seafood Producers (ISP)

Finalists:

• Cairns Little Seafood Market
• Tassal
• Mooloolaba Fisheries

Judges Comment: Independent Seafood Producers (ISP), was recognised for its commitment to growth, innovation, customer satisfaction, and industry advocacy.

Caption: Business Award (Large) winner Independent Seafood Producers (ISP) with Marshall Betzel on behalf of Mark and Debbie Ahern, Debbie’s Seafood

Winner: Umar Nguyen, The Fish Girl

Finalists:

• Silver Sea Seafoods
• Taste the Wild

Judges Comment: Umar Nguyen, known as “The Fish Girl,” was honoured for her exceptional dedication and innovation in promoting seafood and enhancing the public profile of the industry.

Caption: Promotion Award winner Umar Nguyen, The Fish Girl with Ian Hamilton, Aussie Seafood House

Winner: Salt House, Cairns

Finalists:

• Donna Chang, Brisbane
• Harrisons Restaurant, Port Douglas

Judges Comment: Salt House in Cairns, recognises Salt House’s unwavering commitment to excellence in seafood dining, setting a benchmark for quality and sustainability within the industry.

Caption: Restaurant Award winner Salt House Cairns with Fiona Martin, Marketing Manager, Seafarms

Winner: Fisheries on the Spit, Mooloolaba

Finalists:

• Thalassina, Brisbane
• Tobin Fish Tales, Townsville

Judges Comment: Fisheries On The Spit in Mooloolaba, for its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction in serving up the finest fish and chips.

Caption: Take-Away Fish & Chips Award winner Fisheries on the Spit Mooloolaba with Paul Schenk on behalf of Bernadette Ditchfield, A/Director General, Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries

Winner: Nick Schulz, Queensland trawl fisher and owner of Urangan Fisheries

Finalists:

• Jill Briggs
• Nick Kempe

Judges Comment: Mr. Nick Schulz was celebrated for his remarkable contributions and enduring legacy within the seafood industry.

Learn more about Nick Schulz

Watch Video: My story: Queensland trawl-fishing legend Nick Schulz