Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards 2025 finalists announced
Fisheries New Zealand is pleased to announce a strong field of finalists for the upcoming Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards 2025.
These awards recognise the individuals, businesses, iwi organisations, and not-for-profits who are demonstrating exceptional commitment to the values of sustainability and innovation in our seafood sector.
Fisheries New Zealand received a high number of quality entries and it was not easy for the independent panel of judges to select just 3 finalists for each category. The judges were pleased to see a variety of entrants, including large-scale enterprises and boutique businesses, and veterans of industry as well as relative newcomers, all demonstrating fresh thinking and a 'can do' attitude.
Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards 2025 finalists
Operational Innovator Award sponsored by Fishserve
Recognising operational innovation leading to more sustainable practice while contributing to increased productivity and/or export growth.
- Scallop Survey Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Team, NIWA/ Earth Sciences.
- Rob Ansley (Ocean Pearl Fisheries), Keith Mawson (Egmont Seafoods), Jerome Chua (Massey University), and Mark Peychers (Fiordland Lobster Company).
- Aaron and Debbie Pannell, Flip Farm.
Market Innovator Award sponsored by Aquaculture New Zealand
Recognising leadership in market engagement and marketing innovation, and/or development of new products or markets resulting in higher export returns while protecting sustainability.
- Alex Worker, Nutrition from Water.
- Clare Bradley, Agrisea.
- Jake Dikstaal, Leigh Fish.
Future Leader Award
Recognises individuals under 35 in the seafood sector who are advancing sustainability through knowledge-sharing, innovative practices, and/or demonstrated commitment to protecting New Zealand’s aquatic environment.
- William Macdonald, Rangitāne o Wairau.
- Alex Hannon, Transition Technologies Ltd.
- Tamar Wells, Seafood New Zealand.
Ocean Guardian Award sponsored by Dragonfly Data Science
Recognises contributions to the protection of vulnerable marine species or mitigation of environmental impacts, and positively contributes to New Zealand's reputation as a global leader in marine protection.
- Ngatiwai Ki Whangaruru Whenua Topu Trust Mohimohi Moana Project.
- Fiordland Marine Guardians.
- Mike Rhodes, Talley’s Limited.
Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award sponsored by Te Ohu Kaimoana
Recognises strong local environmental guardianship through practices that protect marine ecosystems and vulnerable taonga species and/or advance sustainability knowledge through science, education, and community engagement.
- Te Kohuroa Rewilding.
- Professor Kura Paul-Burke, University of Waikato.
- Whangai Mokopuna Rohe Moana Management Group.
The winner of the Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award, sponsored by Seafood New Zealand, will be selected from the winners of these categories.
In addition, a Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award will be presented to recognise a long-term contribution to sustainability and innovation in the seafood sector.
The winners will be announced at an Awards event on 11 September.
Who to contact
If you have any questions about the awards, email seafood.awards@mpi.govt.nz
