WA Seafood Industry Honored at National Awards

Fisheries Minister Don Punch has congratulated all the Western Australian winners and finalists from last night's National Seafood Industry Awards celebrating excellence in the Australian seafood industry.

Western Australia was represented in 10 of the 13 categories at the awards - hosted by Seafood Industry Australia - which recognises the positive contributions of individuals, partnerships, businesses and organisations towards maintaining a sustainable and profitable Australian seafood industry.

The WA finalists were selected from the winners of the WA Seafood Industry Awards held in May.

The current executive officer for the WA commercial fishing Industry Consultation Unit Angus Callander was inducted into the National Seafood Industry Hall of Fame for his almost 40 years career in the seafood industry.

He was recognised for making positive contributions across a number of areas including transforming remote fisheries, building social licence and community-based initiative programs, and innovative business development.

Other WA winners were Brett McCallum for the Health & Safety award, recognising his 40 years of dedicated service shaping all facets of work health and safety for the seafood industry.

Sophie Sharland, Endeavour Foods manager and director,received the Young Achiever award for her commitment to driving positive change and empowering future leaders in the seafood industry.

Albany's Hooked on Middleton Beach was awarded Australia's best fish and chips.

Tassal, who recently expanded their operations to include aquaculture of ocean grown barramundi in the Kimberley, took out the Best Large Business award. Tassal CEO Mark Ryan was also inducted into the hall of fame

A full list of winners from the National Seafood Industry Awards can be found at www.seafooddirections.com.au.

As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:

"The seafood industry is an important contributor to the State's economy, employing more than 6,000 people across the State.

"It was fantastic to see Western Australia so well represented across a range of categories at last night's National Seafood Industry Awards.

"WA is a world leader in sustainable fisheries management and being recognised on a national level for excellence, sustainability and innovation is a fantastic acknowledgement for our seafood businesses, commercial fishers and industry leaders.

"Congratulations to Angus Callander for being inducted into the National Seafood Industry Hall of Fame, recognising his almost 40-year career helping to steer the industry's development."

WA Finalists - National Seafood Industry Awards