We had a successful night at the WA Fishing Industry Council awards night, with awards in 3 categories. CEO, David Carter was given the prestigious honour of receiving the 2011 Michael Kailis Seafood Industry Icon Award for his lifetime commitment to the seafood industry. Austral also took home the 2011 Environment Award for our contributions in Australia’s sub-Antarctic and our push towards certifying all four of our Australian fisheries under the Marine Stewardship Council. Finally, Rhys Arangio, was given a commendation for the 2011 Young Achiever’s Award.
In previous years, Austral Fisheries has received the 2007 National Environment Award from the Australian Seafood Industry awards night. The national award was sponsored by the National Australia Bank Agribusiness section, and was for Austral’s role in both Marine Protected Area development and certification of the Mackerel Icefish Fishery by the Marine Stewardship Council.
We are also the proud recipient of the 2006 Environmental Award for our research and commitment made in gaining Marine Stewardship Council certification for the Mackerel Icefish. Austral Fisheries were also privileged enough to be given the first Commendation for the Michael Kailis Award for Outstanding Achievement in the fishing industry. Both awards were presented by the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) and we are very pleased to be recognized for these achievements.
In 2003 the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) awarded Martin Exel (Austral Fisheries General Manager Environment & Policy) a certificate for his role in the creation of the Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve, recognised as a Gift to the Earth by WWF, the conservation organisation.
Austral Fisheries’ work in developing new fisheries for Patagonian Toothfish and Mackerel Icefish in Australia’s sub-Antarctic, has resulted in Austral winning the WAFIC’s Commercial Fishing Industry Achiever of the Year Award in 1998 for environmental performance.