Oyster farmers big winners at Tasmanian Seafood Awards

July 2009

Two of Tasmania's leading oysters farming enterprises have been recognised for their achievements at the 2009 Tasmanian Seafood Awards.

'Bolduans Bay Oysters', from Smithton, was the winner of the Seafood Producer/Processor Award for Large Enterprises. The winner of the Seafood Industry Young Achiever Award was Joe Bennett of 'Get Shucked' Oysters, on Bruny Island.

The Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council (TSIC) hosted the 2nd Tasmanian Seafood Awards 2009 Dinner at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre on Saturday 27 June to celebrate Tasmania's outstanding seafood and the quality of the people driving the industry. The Hon. David Llewellyn Minister for Primary Industries and Water opened the event, which provided a forum for identifying and applauding both the individuals and businesses that have achieved outstanding success within this sustainable and increasingly diverse industry.

Jon Poke accepted the Seafood Producer/Processor Award for Large Enterprises on behalf of 'Bolduans Bay Oysters', the award being presented to a large producer/processor enterprise that has demonstrated excellence in the production of high quality seafood product; improved fishing or farming practices; innovation; promotion of a positive industry image; and, overall contribution to the industry. 'Bolduans Bay Oysters' was praised by the judges as a quiet achiever over a long period of time. This company has been a solid pillar of the oyster industry in Tasmania and has contributed to the industry as whole through the development of technologies and practices which have enhanced its sustainability. The award was presented to 'Bolduans Bay Oysters' by Ian Parsons of Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance who sponsored this award.

The Seafood Industry Young Achiever Award was presented to an individual, company or organisation whose emerging contribution has been judged as making a real and positive difference to the Tasmanian seafood industry. Rory Byrne, Manager of Seafood Training Tasmania, sponsors of this award, presented the award to Joe Bennett. The judges were truly impressed by Joe Bennett's drive, public presence and preparedness to take risks and unorthodox approaches to develop and market his business and oysters more generally. In addition, Joe's work outside of his direct business interests with industry associations and on issues of environmental performance and careers promotion was noted. Joe Bennett is 27 and he is a young oyster farmer and operator of 'Get Shucked' Oysters. He is the part of the new generation who will be taking the oyster industry forward.