From left to right: Jay Shoesmith, Rob Hambley, Graham Potter, Peter Maslen, Annie Jarrett, Neil Harris, Jeff Clarkson, Phil Robson, Mark Robson and Stefan Diakas.AFMA congratulates the Commonwealth managed Northern Prawn Fishing Industry Pty Ltd (NPFI) on their achievements at the recent Queensland Seafood Industry Awards in Brisbane on Saturday, 13 June 2015.
The NPFI took out two awards at the ceremony and will now go on to compete for national honours later this year.
“We are thrilled to advise that NPFI won the Research, Development and Extension Award as the initiator of two associated research projects aimed at developing new and innovative refrigeration systems for the fishing industry, including the NPF,” said NPFI CEO, Annie Jarrett.
Given the phasing out of the current refrigerant, the study evaluated the use of alternative refrigeration systems and their associated advantages and disadvantages and culminated in the design, build and installation of a fully-contained, state-of-the-art refrigeration prototype.
NPFI also won the People Development Award for their Crew Member Observer Program which facilitates the collection of information on threatened species through crew members on a voluntary basis. This information, along with scientific observer data, is critical for AFMA’s management of threatened species. The program is coordinated by the NPF Industry Pty Ltd as part of a co-management arrangement with AFMA.
A family run NPF company, A Raptis and Sons Pty Ltd was awarded the Best Large Business Award which recognises business growth, innovation, excellence in product, service and marketing, and contributions towards a positive future for the seafood industry.
“And to top it all off, the Love Australian Prawns campaign (to which NPFI is a significant contributor) won the Promotion Award,” Ms Jarrett said.
In congratulating NPFI, AFMA’s Northern Fisheries Senior Manager, Steve Bolton said the awards highlight the value of collaboration between industry and AFMA for sustainable fisheries.
“As showcased by these Awards, through using an innovative approach and developing new solutions, the NPFI is helping to ensure a healthy supply of Australian prawns for both current and future generations,” Mr Bolton said.
For more information on the Refrigeration from Catch to Market project please see the FRDC website.