Austral Fisheries introduces sustainability-focused start-up accelerator for seafood sector

Perth, Australia-based fishing company Austral Fisheries is launching an “accelerator” program to support start-ups with a focus on sustainability-focused innovation in the seafood industry.

The Seafood for Good program – to be run in coordination with social innovation hub StartSomeGood – will take place over 12 weeks and will aim to guide four participants on the path to introducing business-to-consumer products that “find a solution to increase consumer knowledge and preference for sustainable seafood,” according to a press release.

“These participants will be guided by leading experts in innovation, customer development, and sustainable seafood to create innovative solutions to help bridge the path towards a more sustainable future for the seafood industry,” Austral Fisheries said.

The program guides include Austral Fisheries CEO David Carter, StartSomeGood CEO Tom Dawkins, Blue-X Founder Allen Haroutonian, and Ocean Impact Organisation Co-Founder Nick Chiarelli.

At the end of the program, the two most commercially viable solutions will receive funding and support from Austral Fisheries to launch their products or solutions. Start-ups, non-profits, and existing companies with new products are all encouraged to apply, and applications are being accepted through 27 May at the Seafood for Good website.

Austral Fisheries is the only seafood company in the world certified as carbon-neutral. The company is committed to environmentally-conscious fishing practices and catching and sourcing sustainable seafood. It harvests and sells Marine Stewardship Council-certified Patagonian toothfish, mackerel icefish, banana prawns, and tiger prawns.

Photo courtesy of Austral Fisheries