Spanning almost 30,000 km, Newfoundland & Labrador’s coastline plays a vital role in the province’s economy and cultural heritage. The region’s unique environment is blessed with a rich supply of natural resources supporting a variety of gainful activities including commercial fishing, shipping and logistics, offshore oil and gas exploration, aircraft surveillance, robotics and aquaculture. In other words, it’s a sector worth celebrating.

Launched in 2017, the annual Turning the Tide marine industry awards honour individuals and organizations in N.L.’s marine sector. The awards were founded to support the Home from The Sea Foundation—a non-profit that manages the John C. Crosbie Interpretation Centre, showcasing the province’s sealing history and honoring lives lost.

The awards initially included three categories: leadership and excellence; lifetime achievement; and, historical significance of an individual, organization or community that helped turn the tide within the marine industry. Over time, additions were made to celebrate innovation and youth, making five annual awards.

 

 

Nominations for each category are accepted through online submissions, which are evaluated by a selection committee of about a dozen industry professionals using a matrix scoring system. Rankings are then discussed before the final winners are selected. Paul Antle, chairman of the selection committee, says the process takes several months.

Award recipients are announced before the celebration gala. Antle says about 500 people attend the big event and that “people enjoy the night of celebration.”

Given the positive feedback, Antle expects the awards will be around for a long time.

To submit a nomination for 2024: turningthetideawards.ca

Continue reading this story: click below to login/subscribe

Login or Subscribe