Gumboots and Youth Mentorship: Elly Lincoln Wins the 2026 Young Fisher of the Year Award
Elly Lincoln, left, with Sunderland Marine representative Nicki Peacey.
Gisborne-based fisher Elly Lincoln has been named the 2026 Sunderland Marine Young Fisher of the Year, the first female recipient of the annual trophy.
Lincoln, 20, is currently working toward her Skipper’s Ticket in her role at fishing company Pegasus II Fishing Ltd. Dedicated not only to the catching side of the business, she brings a proactive and problem-solving approach to her work, whether that’s on-deck efficiencies or sustainability practices.
YoungFish representative Ben McDonald said that, with the award now in its third year, the calibre of nominations continues to rise and the judges had an incredibly difficult time making a decision.
“Though still early in her career, it’s clear Elly has a goal and vision for her future in the fishing industry and supporting others in her community,” Pierce says. “Elly's nominator particularly emphasised her growing leadership on and off the water, and the importance she places on safety and respect, which is essential to the industry.”
Sunderland Marine representative Nicki Peacey says, “We were equally impressed with Elly’s community involvement outside of work, particularly her efforts running 10 kilometres around Lake Taupō in her fishing gumboots to support nonprofit FirstMate, and her mentorship of teens and school leavers about boat safety and handling.”
Federation President Doug Saunders-Loder says the Sunderland Young Fisher of the Year Award is a natural complement to the conference’s other long-standing trophy, the Electronic Navigation Shield. “We need to nurture the next generation of fishers and industry leaders, and I’m pleased we can acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of all four finalists.”
Lincoln was presented with the award’s trophy at the conclusion of the 2026 New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen conference in Wellington. Sunderland Marine will contribute a $5,000 scholarship to further develop her career in the fishing industry.
The 2026 award finalists were Kyle Oates (Westport Deep Sea Fishing School), Mason Lee (FV Talisman) and Mark Nahu (RMD Marine).
Notes:
The Sunderland Marine Fisher of the Year Award was founded jointly by Young Fish Aotearoa NZ, Sunderland Marine and the NZ Federation of Commercial Fishermen in 2024.
It celebrates young fishers under the age of 35 who have demonstrated skill and commitment and have a determination to further their careers within the fishing industry.
For more information see: https://www.nzfishfed.co.nz/sunderland-marine-young-fisher-of-the-year-award