Sustainability pioneers of the seafood industry receive lifetime achievement awards

Two pioneers of sustainable seafood have been recognised for their long and unstinting efforts to support the transformation of the UK’s seafood supply chain, from ocean to plate, while working for decades in Grimsby, the UK’s seafood powerhouse.

Mike Mitchell, best known for his more than 30 years with Young’s Seafood and Nigel Edwards, who performed similar strategic sustainability roles in Seachill and Hilton Foods, were among some of the earliest voices in the industry advocating for the benefits of a certified sustainable seafood supply chain.

In recognition of their contribution to sustainable seafood sourcing practices, Mike and Nigel were presented with Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Marine Stewardship Council Lifetime Achievement Awards at the MSC and ASC UK Awards ceremony which took place at the historic Signet Library in Edinburgh on October 22nd.

Nicolas Guichoux, Chief Program Officer, MSC, said: “As true visionaries and pioneers in their field, Mike and Nigel both used their influence and leadership to champion and promote initiatives such as the MSC and ASC, helping us become the organisation we are today.”

Ally Dingwall, Chief Technical Officer, ASC, said: “Our rapid growth and success over the past two decades would not have been possible without their early commitment and advocacy. We’re sincerely grateful for their ongoing support and delighted to see their lifetime dedication to sustainable seafood so rightly recognised.”

While proud of their roles in moving the industry forward and grateful for this recognition, both men are keenly aware that they couldn’t have achieved what they did alone, nor do they believe the job is anywhere near done.

Mike Mitchell was CSR and Technical Director at Young’s Seafood for many years before taking up an executive role in the company advising the board on sustainability. He also went on to share that knowledge with NGOs and public bodies.

Reflecting on the award, Mike said: “It was a great honour to receive this award, and whilst I was part of a cohort of early movers on the seafood sustainability agenda, I could not have achieved what I have done without the support and encouragement of many others over many years.

“As we enter a new and uncertain age, one in which climate change denial has become normalised, and in which distrust and disbelief of science is being actively encouraged, it is more important than ever that we remain focused and committed to the core mission and values of the MSC and ASC.”

Nigel, who among other things was instrumental in the establishment of Seachill’s state of the art fresh seafood facility in Grimsby in the late 1990’s, and served as Hilton Foods’ Group Sustainability Director, said: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with so many great people, including many who have become personal friends. Together, we brought together the interests of those whose primary interest was the environment with those who were focused on feeding the world. Collaborating in a pre-competitive space we were able to find solutions, and I’d like to applaud MSC and ASC and the people leading those organisations for their role in transforming food production.”