Uncle Derek Walker, Ngarrindjeri Elder and CEO of Kuti Co, was named winner of the Sustainable Fishing Hero category at the annual Sustainable Seafood Awards last month.

The awards were announced by ASC Australia & New Zealand and the Marine Stewardship Council in Australia & NZ in Sydney on Friday 15 March.

Judges described Uncle Derek Walker as a sustainable fishing hero who works tirelessly to develop job opportunities and training programs for Ngarrindjeri people.

He focuses especially on young people, getting them back on Ngarrindjeri country, working on the land and in the oceans.

“His vision involves empowering Ngarrindjeri youth by integrating cultural affirmation programs and educational initiatives into Kuti Co's community engagement, ranging from talks at local schools to boardroom presentations.

“By developing initiatives that celebrate and honour Ngarrindjeri culture, Derek cultivates leadership qualities within the Kuti Co crew and ensures the passing down of knowledge on sustainable fishing practices to future generations.

“Derek's unwavering commitment to his Kuti Co crew and the greater Ngarrindjeri community has helped realise the Ngarrindjeri Nation's aspiration to revitalise cultural practices and knowledge associated with the sustainable harvest, trade, and consumption of Kuti.”

Kuti Co is a major shareholder in Goolwa PipiCo, which won the MSC Community Champion Award in 2023 for their world-leading efforts in community engagement and first nations reconciliation.