The biennial Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards returns in 2026 to showcase the best in the Australian seafood industry, with nominations now open to retailers, suppliers, restaurants, individuals and businesses from the seafood industry across the state and beyond.
The prestigious awards recognise the seafood industry’s top players across 11 categories for their contribution to the economy, professionalism, and commitment to supplying high quality seafood to local, national and international markets.
Nominations will be open from today, Wednesday 4th March, until Monday 30th March. The finalists in each award category will then be invited to attend a cocktail event at Sydney Seafood School on Wednesday 20th May, where the winners will be announced.
As well as recognition as the NSW leaders in their category, the Award winners will then be put forward as the NSW nominees for the National Seafood Awards taking place later this year.
Notable categories include the hotly contested Best Restaurant Award, which sees restaurateurs compete for recognition as the State’s best seafood-centric restaurant, and the Primary Producer categories, with Awards available for suppliers from NSW as well as interstate/overseas.
The Environment Award is also significant, recognising an entity that has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking environmental activity that has contributed substantially towards protecting or rehabilitating aquatic environments or reducing adverse seafood industry impacts on the environment.
One of the most anticipated moments of the Awards evening is the announcement of the Star of the Sea – a highly prestigious award presented to a person who has demonstrated that they have made a substantial positive difference to the seafood industry and who has been a highly effective and respected seafood industry leader over many years.
For further information about the awards, nomination submissions, or sponsorship enquiries please visit: www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/seafood-excellence-awards
Key dates for 2026:
- 10th March: Award nominations open
- 3rd April: Award nominations close
- 27th April: Award finalists announced
- 20th May: Winners announced at the Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards in Sydney.
All award categories as follows:
- Environment Award
- Primary Producer Award (NSW)
- Primary Producer Award (Interstate/overseas)
- Restaurant Award (NSW)
- Business Award
- Safety Award
- Research, Development & Extension Award
- Promotion Award
- People Development Award
- Young Achiever Award
- Star of the Sea
