Receiving the Oceans Guardian Award earlier this month is recognition of the Fiordland Marine Guardians’ (the Guardians) long tradition of environmental stewardship and decades of hard work by many people, the Guardians’ Chair Dr Rebecca McLeod says.
The Guardians received the award at the Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards, held at Parliament on 11 September.
[Pete Young and Dr Rebecca McLeod, Fiordland Marine Guardians, with Philipp Neubauer, Director, Dragonfly Data Science]
The awards, hosted by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), celebrate the people and organisations who look after the marine environment and ensure continued growth in New Zealand’s seafood sector.
The Ocean Guardian Award recognises contributions to protect vulnerable marine species and work that contributes to New Zealand's reputation as a global leader in marine protection.
The award citation said the Guardians “exemplify what can be achieved when diverse interests, including tangata whenua, commercial and recreational fishers, tourism operators, conservationists, and marine scientists, practice inclusive stewardship.”
The award also recognised the Guardians’ work promoting a multi-agency approach to managing invasive species, and their commitment to long-term ecosystem health in the Fiordland Marine Area.
The Guardians’ Chair Dr Rebecca McLeod said the Guardians were thrilled to receive the award.
“It acknowledges the focus and determination of not just the current crop, but a long line of Guardians spanning more than 20 years. The award is a testament to the way the Guardians promote collaboration and foster community support to address a wide range of issues in the Fiordland Marine Area.”
Learn more about the other awards and winners on MPI’s website here: New Zealand Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards 2025 [The Ministry for Primary Industries]
