The achievements and the value of WA's seafood industry to the local economy and community have been showcased at the 2021 Seafood Industry Awards held tonight in Fremantle. The Awards, hosted by the WA Fishing Industry Council, provide due recognition for the industry's work in supplying some of the finest seafood in the world to local, national and international markets.
The WA seafood industry generates a billion dollars for the State's economy annually and employs about 10,000 people in direct and indirect jobs connected to commercial fishing and aquaculture activity.
The Leadership Award for Dr George Kailis confirms his status as a guiding light of growth and innovation for the industry in WA and commitment to sustainable fisheries practices around the world.
From Dunsborough's Blue Manna Bistro winning the Seafood Restaurant Award, Ocean and Paddock in Albany as best Small Business and the best Large Business nod to Seafresh Group for its fine fish markets around Perth, both city and regional business were honoured.
Carnarvon's Abacus Fisheries landed the R&D award for a new crab pot design to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Austral Fisheries earned the Environment Award for showing the way with net zero greenhouse gas emissions and a new carbon neutral fishing vessel, and Tanya Adams is the champion behind WAFIC's Safety Code to make fishing safer.
The People Development Award in 2021 honours Women in Seafood Australasia for building diversification in the industry, while Shark Bay Prawn Trawler Operator's Association won praise for lifting the public profile of fishing. The work ethic of Thomas Breeze on an octopus fishing vessel that operates out of Two Rocks made him best deckhand.
This year's champions, whether working along the supply chain or to support the industry, are not afraid to lift the standards for fishing and production practices to new heights, including Seafood Producer Award winner Ben Pethick who skippers F.V. Bowithick and is in high demand across Australia.
Award winners from 11 of the 12 categories will go on to represent WA at the National Seafood Awards in 2022, with the WA-only Deckhand Award recognising and rewarding the contributions and achievements of those at the coal-face of the industry.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"This year's dynamic dozen of winning companies and individuals have been honoured for keeping WA on the front foot in fishing, aquaculture and our seafood supply chain.
"Just last month, the Australian Institute of Marine Science Index of Marine Industry considered WA to be the foremost fishing State in Australia and for that we say thanks to the hard-working men and women who've put us there.
"Fishing and aquaculture businesses in WA worked hard through the economic impacts of COVID-19 and the awards celebrated the continued professionalism, commitment and ingenuity of the seafood industry through challenging times."
