Austral Fisheries leads the way in sustainable seafood
Austral Fisheries was recognised for its environmental stewardship when it won the Environment Award at the 2021 Western Australian Seafood Industry Awards.
The award category is sponsored by Woodside Energy.
The Awards event, recognising excellence in the WA seafood industry, was held at The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle and opened by Minister for Fisheries Hon Don Punch MLA in front of a large audience of industry participants and seafood representatives.
Austral Fisheries operate three fishing vessels in sub-Antarctic waters catching Patagonian toothfish and Mackerel icefish, whilst also operating 11 vessels in the Gulf of Carpentaria catching Banana and Tiger prawns.
In 2016, they became the first seafood company globally to achieve “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions. In addition their organisation and their wild caught prawns have also been certified Carbon Neutral under the Australian Government ‘Climate Active’ program. Throughout this process, Austral Fisheries have planted over one million trees to support their carbon neutral goal.
Austral Fisheries are internationally recognised for their unique efforts over the past 20 years in forging collaborations between industry, conservation groups, government agencies, scientists and fisheries managers to enhance the sustainability of their fisheries.
Last year Austral Fisheries launched its new multi-purpose, carbon neutral fishing vessel, Cape Arkona. This ship is a world-first that uses an electric-hybrid technology and a sophisticated system of power-sharing to optimise performance and lower its emissions.
WA Fishing Industry Council CEO, Darryl Hockey said Austral Fisheries has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking an environmental activity that has contributed substantially towards protecting or rehabilitating aquatic environments.
“Austral Fisheries is setting a high benchmark for sustainability across a number of areas, including a ‘net zero’ greenhouse footprint. As an industry body, we recognise the importance of acknowledging those individuals and organisations who make a substantial contribution to benefiting our industry, and Austral Fisheries are certainly a worthy recipient of this award,” Mr Hockey concluded.
Applications from both Lattitude Jewellers in Geraldton for their Flotsam & Jetsam Project as well as The Fisherman’s Daughter for her innovative project to protect the environment whilst also supporting mental health concerns in regional areas, were both recognised by the Award Judges as Highly Commended applicants.