Two pioneers of sustainable seafood have been recognised for their long and unstinting efforts to support the transformation

Sustainable Seafood Legends Mike Mitchell and Nigel Edwards Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards

Grimsby Pioneers Honored for Decades-Long Effort to Transform the UK's Seafood Supply Chain

Two pioneers of sustainable seafood have been recognised for their long and unwavering efforts to support the transformation of the UK’s seafood supply chain, from ocean to plate. The recognition comes after decades of work based 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 at Seachill and Hilton Foods, were among 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 (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Lifetime Achievement Awards. The ceremony took place at the historic Signet Library in Edinburgh on October 22nd.

Nicolas Guichoux, Chief Program Officer at MSC, praised the recipients, stating: “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 at ASC, echoed this sentiment: “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.”

Acknowledging Teamwork and Future Challenges

While proud of their roles in moving the industry forward and grateful for this recognition, both men stressed that their achievements were not solitary and emphasized that the job is far from finished.

Mike Mitchell served for many years as CSR and Technical Director at Young’s Seafood before taking up an executive role advising the board on sustainability. He also shared his 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... it is more important than ever that we remain focused and committed to the core mission and values of the MSC and ASC.”

Nigel Edwards, who, among other accomplishments, was instrumental in establishing Seachill’s state-of-the-art fresh seafood facility in Grimsby in the late 1990s and served as Hilton Foods’ Group Sustainability Director, reflected on the privilege of collaboration. He stated: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with so many great people... 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.”

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