The volume of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified seafood sold in Australia has tripled over the last decade, with double-digit growth compared to just five years ago, the certification organization said.

In the past year alone, Australian shoppers spent nearly AUD 400 million ($252.5m) on over 365 MSC-certified sustainable seafood products. The increase in volume is attributed to heightened awareness of environmental issues, with Australians increasingly prioritizing eco-conscious choices when it comes to seafood.

"The vast majority of Australian seafood consumers believe that to save the ocean, we must only consume seafood from sustainable sources and that an independent organization must clearly label environmental claims," said Anne Gabriel, MSC program director for Oceania and Singapore.

As a result, more brands and retailers are offering sustainable seafood options bearing the MSC blue fish tick label, with further growth expected in the coming years. 

Major players like Coles, Woolworths, Walker Seafoods Australia, Bidfood, Sydney Zoo, and Austral Fisheries have been honored at the Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia for their contributions to sustainable seafood practices.

Coles secured the MSC's "Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket" and "Best Sustainable Seafood Product" for its Coles Simply Tuna.  

Heidi Walker from Walkers Seafoods Australia received the "Sustainable Fishing Hero" award for her leadership in sustainable tuna fishing and the launch of Walkers Tuna, available at Woolworths and Harris Farms.  

In a category decided by public vote, Skull Island Tiger Prawns, by Austral Fisheries, was named "Best Sustainable Seafood Brand."