Federation members Chase Saunders-Loder and Guard Safety have been named among this year's cohor of Seafood Stars at the 2025 Seafood Conference, held in Nelson on 6-7 August. 

Saunders-Loder won the Young Achiever Award, presented to a person, 35 years of age or under, who has demonstrated that he or she has made a positive difference to the seafood industry, and has the potential to continue to develop as an effective and respected seafood industry leader or role model. 

Seafood New Zealand CEO Lisa Futschek said, "Saunders-Loder is a well-known face among the inshore fleet. Since the age of 18 he has worked his way up from crew member to become a qualified skipper and today owns the FV Resolution II. Whether it’s appearing in an episode of Ocean Bounty or filming a video about his career, Chase is always willing to lend a face or voice as an ambassador to how great the fishing industry can be."

The team at Guard Safety won the second-annual ACC Workplace Wellbeing Award for their innovative leadership and approach to a safe and supportive workplaces, which has contributed to the improved health, safety and wellbeing outcomes across the seafood industry. Futschek said Guard Safety has "spent years tirelessly improving the industry’s safety record through its many health and wellbeing initiatives such as MarineSAFE and the NZ Fishing Health and Safety Forum."

Congratulations to Chase and Guard Safety!