Sydney Fish Market has recognised achievements across Australia’s seafood industry at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Awards, held for the first time at the new Sydney Seafood School within the new Sydney Fish Market precinct.
Eight awards were presented across categories including business innovation, environmental stewardship, research, primary production, restaurant excellence and industry leadership.
Guests from across the seafood supply chain attended the event alongside NSW minister for agriculture, minister for regional New South Wales and minister for western New South Wales Tara Moriarty.
The NSW seafood industry contributes more than $500 million annually to the economy and employs more than 4,000 people across fishing, aquaculture, processing, retail and hospitality.
“From the resilient aquaculture farmers, to the fishers working treacherous conditions offshore, to the co-ops, wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs – this industry feeds people and sustains communities,” said Sydney Fish Market chair Craig Davison.
“Every year, the nominations remind us of just how much talent, passion, and dedication exists across this state. Tonight we got to celebrate that here in our extraordinary new home. I congratulate all of tonight’s winners and finalists on their exceptional achievements.”
The Seafood Business Award went to Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-operative, which supports 39 fisher members and supplies more than 611 tonnes of wild caught seafood annually.
OceanWatch Australia received the Environment Award for its ‘From Waste to Product’ initiative, which repurposes oyster industry waste generated during flooding events.
The Research, Development and Extension Award was presented to NSW Farmers Association for its Disaster Ready project, developed to support oyster farmers with practical resilience strategies.
In the Primary Producer categories, The IKA Foundry won the NSW award for redeveloping a prawn farm on Palmers Island, while Yumbah Aquaculture received the Interstate/Overseas award for its integrated aquaculture operations across abalone, oysters, mussels and kingfish.
Pipit Restaurant in Pottsville received the Restaurant Award for its seafood focused dining offering led by chef Ben Devlin and manager Chloe Wilson. The restaurant was recognised for incorporating Gyotaku, a traditional Japanese fish printing method, alongside seafood focused menu development.
The Young Achiever Award was presented to Kristin Hoel of OceanWatch Australia for her work on the Whale Entanglement Mitigation Program.
The Star of the Sea Award was awarded to David Ellis, founding chief executive officer of Tuna Australia, in recognition of more than 35 years of involvement across harvesting, aquaculture, research and industry advocacy.
