Fishing News Awards 2025 Categories

There are 12 categories in the 2025 Fishing News Awards. Each one recognises excellence within an aspect of commercial fishing in the UK and/or Ireland from January to December 2024.

OVER-10M FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Peterhead Port Authority

To be awarded to a UK- or Ireland-based demersal, pelagic or shellfish fisherman, working in the over-10m sector, who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry in 2024. Skill, determination, leadership ability and adaptability to changes in today’s industry are among the qualities we will be looking for.

UNDER-10M FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR

To be awarded to a UK- or Ireland-based fisherman in the under-10m sector who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the industry in 2024. We are looking for an individual who has demonstrated skill, determination, leadership ability and adaptability to change.

YOUNG FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Seafish

This category will recognise a fisherman, under 30 years of age on 31 December, 2024 and based in the UK or Ireland, who has demonstrated outstanding skill, commitment and determination to succeed in the industry.

TRAINEE FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Sunderland Marine

This award will recognise the most outstanding new entrant to complete a commercial fishing training course in 2024, who has demonstrated consistently high levels of application, commitment, understanding of the industry, practical skills and safety awareness.

OVER-15M BOAT OF THE YEAR

This award celebrates innovation and excellence in the build and facilities of a new or significantly rebuilt or refurbished vessel of over 15m LOA that entered service in the UK or Irish fleets in 2024. All new over-15m boats, and major rebuilds, featured in FN in 2024 will be included automatically in this category.

UNDER-15M BOAT OF THE YEAR

This award celebrates innovation and excellence in the build and facilities of a new or significantly rebuilt or refurbished vessel of less than 15m LOA that entered service in the UK or Irish fleets in 2024. All new under-15m boats, and major rebuilds, featured in FN in 2024 will be included automatically in this category.

SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

This category will recognise a UK or Irish company, person or organisation that has provided an outstanding service to the fishing industry in 2024. Nominees could include boatyards, equipment and gear suppliers, auctions and vessel agents, as well as people and organisations who have gone above and beyond in providing a service to the industry.

INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

This new category will recognise an initiative that has brought demonstrable benefit to the industry in 2024. New organisations, training schemes, campaigns and websites are all eligible for entry in this category.

TECHNICAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

This category will recognise an outstanding new product or product development that has brought significant benefit to the industry in 2024

THE SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Sponsored by the Marine Stewardship Council

This award recognises and celebrates efforts which are focused on innovative solutions to improving sustainability and environmental outcomes within the UK or Irish fishing industry. Nominations must demonstrate an innovative response to a sustainability issue, demonstrate that the project has gone above and beyond standard practice, and provide evidence of its impact.

FISH AND CHIP SHOP OF THE YEAR

This new award will recognise a UK or Irish fish and chip shop with a strong commitment to sourcing UK- or Irish-caught fish, serving up great food, excellent value and exemplary customer service.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Sponsored by the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association

This award will go to an individual who, throughout their career, has been a true champion of UK or Irish commercial fishing.

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