The Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) have recognised organisations and individuals making significant contributions to safeguarding ocean health and supporting responsible aquaculture, at the 2025 Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia.
According to the MSC, increased awareness of environmental issues is driving Australians and businesses to make more eco-conscious seafood choices.
Australian seafood shoppers have spent almost 400 million dollars, on over 365 MSC certified sustainable seafood products, in the past year. The volume of MSC certified seafood sold in Australia has tripled in the last ten years, with double digit sales growth compared with five years ago.
MSC program director for Oceania and Singapore, Anne Gabriel, said the majority of Australian seafood consumers believe that only consuming seafood from sustainable sources will help save the ocean – and that environmental claims must be clearly labelled by an independent organisation.
“By meeting customer expectations, brands and retailers now offer more sustainable seafood options with the MSC blue fish tick label than ever before, with further growth in MSC-labelled products in the pipeline,” said Gabriel.
The independently judged awards were announced on 6 March at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.
ASC 2025 results
Aldi was named Australia’s leading supermarket for sustainable seafood by the ASC, receiving three awards for providing responsibly sourced products at an affordable and accessible price point.
- Best Responsible Seafood Trader
ALDI Supermarkets - Best Responsible Seafood Retailer
ALDI Supermarkets - Responsible Seafood Producer
Yumbah Aquaculture: for its regenerative approach and engagement with local communities and First Nations stakeholders. - Best Responsible Seafood Brand
I&J: over 40 per cent of the company’s product range is ASC labelled. - Best New Responsible Seafood Product
I&J - Sweet Chilli Fish Tenders - Best Responsible Seafood Product
KB Seafood Company - KB's Sea Creature Fish Bites - Young Person in Aquaculture
Rebecca Pedler and Archie Turvey - Aquaculture Champion
ALDI Supermarkets
MSC 2025 results
Leading the charge for the MSC categories, Coles, Woolworths, Walker Seafoods Australia, Bidfood, Sydney Zoo and Austral Fisheries were recognised at the Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia.
- MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket
Coles: the most significant commitment to MSC certified sustainable seafood in Australia during 2024. - MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Product
Coles Simply Tuna: a breakthrough in the pursuit of sustainable seafood production worldwide. - MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Brand (decided by public vote)
Austral Fisheries Skull Island Tiger Prawns: for being a trailblazer in supporting a healthier ocean. - MSC Sustainable Fishing Hero
Walkers Seafoods Australia, Heidi Walker: leadership in sustainable tuna fishing and launch of Walkers Tuna in collaboration with chef Neil Perry. - MSC Lifetime Achievement Award
Bidfood national seafood development manager, Brett Patience: pioneering leadership in making sustainable seafood widely accessible in Australia’s foodservice sector. - MSC Community Champion – Business
Woolworths Group: actively championing ocean sustainability and the MSC. - MSC Community Champion – Public Institution
Sydney Zoo: making a meaningful impact through education and inspiring communities to care for the ocean.
“By championing eco-friendly practices, this year’s winners are setting new standards for the global seafood industry and empowering consumers to make choices that protect the future of our ocean,” said Gabriel.
