Two South Australian seafood producers are the recipients of Sydney Fish Market's Environmental Grant, awarded in celebration of World Fisheries Day (November 21). Barnes Seafood and Clean Seas Seafood have been awarded $6000 each to support the implementation of biodegradable alternatives to plastic liners used in seafood crates. 

Sydney Fish Market's Environmental Grant is awarded annually to support environmental initiatives in the fishing industry, and this year's winning initiatives are especially timely, as the seafood industry seeks to reduce the use of plastic in its supply chains. 

Many seafood businesses currently utilise plastic liners to seal and cover seafood product as it is transported. Sydney Fish Market is proud to provide its support to Barnes Seafood and Clean Seas Seafood as they lead the charge in switching to biodegradable wrappings and liners. 

Angela Barnes of Barnes Seafood said: "We have been researching biodegradable alternatives for fish bin liners since early 2021, so that we can help minimise our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable planet. 

The BIO liners we are seeking to use, which are manufactured locally, are 100% compostable. We hope that implementing these in our business will encourage others in the industry to also switch from plastic to BIO liners in their packaging process." 

Sam Kaippaplakal from Clean Seas Seafood said: "We are already on a roll, as we have been replacing our current polystyrene seafood boxes with biodegradable boxes. We are now ready to investigate a cost-effective cloth or paper-based material to replace the plastic liners we currently use. 

Clean Seas Seafood is an ardent believer in sustainable sea food production, and it is our commitment to adopt sustainable methods into our production lines, to ensure that we minimise our impact on the environment." 

Celebrated on 21 November each year, World Fisheries Day brings together fishing communities and highlights the ongoing innovation that ensures steady, sustainable seafood supply for future generations. On this day, the seafood industry pays tribute to NSW’s quality seafood, and the hard-working people who supply it to the community.  

CEO of Sydney Fish Market, Greg Dyer, said: “Sydney Fish Market is focused on maintaining and preserving our fishing habitats for future generations. We’re proud to be announcing the recipients of Sydney Fish Market’s environmental grants.  

Australia is considered a world leader in fisheries management and the Commonwealth has declared sustainable seas here for close to ten consecutive years. We hope this program continues to encourage improved environmental practice and initiatives amongst our seafood suppliers.  

Sydney Fish Market is committed to working with our suppliers to improve standards throughout every stage of the seafood supply chain.”