award winners & finalists 2026
Queensland Seafood Industry Awards2026 Award Winners & Finalists
Congratulations to all winners and “good luck” for the National Seafood Awards presented at the 2026 Seafood Directions Conference.
The Queensland Seafood Industry Awards are Queensland’s premier seafood event. This year’s event was held at Blackbird in Brisbane and brought together the very best of Queensland’s seafood industry for an outstanding evening of recognition, connection and celebration.
Make sure you check out the 2026 Awards Photo Gallery for the official winner photos and lots of happy snaps of the night.
Young Achiever Award
Winner: Bryan Van Wyk
A highly capable and driven young leader demonstrating strong leadership, innovation and commitment to the seafood industry.
Finalists:
- Roberta Marcoli
- Soumya Santoch
Young Achiever Award sponsored by Rocky Point Aquaculture, presented by Serena Zipf.
People Development Award
Winner: QSIA & ClearCut Seafood Training
Delivering accessible, practical training solutions tailored to real industry conditions.
Finalists:
- Jodi Ford
- Turn the Tide
People Development Award sponsored by OceanWatch Australia’s Master Fishermen Program, presented by David Schubert.
Research, Development & Extension Award
Winner: ACPF (Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries)
An industry-leading project driving education, market awareness and practical outcomes.
Finalists:
- Alison Turnbull
- Tuna Australia
Research, Development & Extension Award sponsored by FRDC, presented by Sean Sloan.
Environment Award
Winner: NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery)
Setting new benchmarks in sustainability through innovation and collaboration.
Finalists:
- Mooloolaba Fisheries
- Tassal
Environment Award sponsored by QLD Government Dept. of Primary Industries, presented by the Hon Tony Perrett MP.
Health & Safety Award
Winner: Stay Afloat
Recognised for its proactive and practical approach to mental health and safety in the seafood industry.
Finalists:
- Infinity Blue
- Tassal
Health & Safety Award sponsored by Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), presented by Julie Petty.
Seafood Experience Award
Winner: Taste Port Douglas
Delivering high-quality consumer experiences that showcase Queensland seafood at its best.
Finalists:
- Grunske’s By The River
- Penny Seafood
Seafood Experience Award sponsored by The Fish Girl, presented by Umar Nguyen.
Primary Producer Award (Small)
Winner: MOFO Fishing
A highly engaged operator contributing to both industry performance and environmental initiatives.
Finalists:
- Barrastar
- Ocean Pacific
Primary Producer Award (Small) sponsored by Aussie Seafood House, presented by Ian Hamilton.
Primary Producer Awards (large)
Winner: Rocky Point Aquaculture
Recognised for innovation, consistency and a strong focus on sustainable aquaculture practices.
Finalists:
- Raptis
- Wren Group
Primary Producer Award (large) sponsored by Lenrex Seafood Marketers, presented by Neil Moretto.
Business Award (Small)
Winner: The Fish Girl
A dynamic and disciplined business making a strong impact across multiple areas of the industry.
Finalists:
- Silver Sea Seafoods
- North Shore Seafood Co
Business Award (Small) sponsored by MG Kailis Lobster, presented by Peter Frazis.
Business Award (Large)
Winner: Preston Fresh Seafood
A standout family business demonstrating sustained growth, strong leadership and commitment to quality.
Finalists:
- Little Tuna
- Blue Reef
Business Award (Large) sponsored by Access Dry & Cold Storage, presented by Jay Shoesmith.
Promotion Award
Winner: Little Tuna
Driving strong consumer awareness and connection to Australian seafood.
Finalists:
- East Edge Fishing
- The Fish Girl
Promotion Award sponsored by Tassal, presented by Courtney Quinn-McCabe.
Restaurant Award
Winner: Donna Chang, Brisbane
Showcasing premium Australian seafood with a strong focus on quality and provenance.
Finalists:
- Shucks Bar, Wynnum-Manly
- Lanai Noosa, Noosaville
- Grunske’s By The River, Bundaberg
Restaurant Award sponsored by Blue Reef, presented by Arthur Raptis.
Take-Away Fish & Chips Award
Winner: Wild Local, Ingham
A standout regional business championing local seafood and quality product.
Finalists:
- Penny Seafood, Maroochydore
- Fisheries on the Spit, Mooloolaba
Take-Away Fish & Chips Award sponsored by QLD Government, Dept. of Primary Industries, presented by the Hon Tony Perrett MP.
QLD Seafood Industry Ambassador Award
Winner: David Ellis
Recognised for decades of leadership, advocacy and contribution to the Australian seafood industry.