Fifty women working across the UK fishing and seafood sector came together in London a week ago for the latest F-REP event – a first-of-its-kind Women in Fisheries F-REP (WIF-REP) – delivered by Fishing into the Future (FITF) in partnership with UK Women in Fisheries (UK WIF).
The three-day residential programme created space for women in roles ranging from vessel owners, crew and partners to processors, researchers, traders and educators to build knowledge, confidence and networks. Designed by a steering committee of women from across the industry, the event aimed to strengthen participation in fisheries science, management and co-management.
‘Lasting change in fisheries comes through working together. Despite the important roles women play across the sector, we often see fewer women participating in collaborative or decision-making spaces. WIF-REP was designed to help address this by building mutual understanding and connections,’ said FITF executive director Emma Plotnek.
Across the three days, participants took part in sessions covering fisheries science, co-management, representation, communications and the role of social science in decision-making. Practical and interactive elements, including hands-on stock assessment exercises, a simulated management planning activity and an early-morning visit to Billingsgate Market, gave attendees the opportunity to explore real-world challenges and share lived experiences.
‘Diverse participation strengthens fisheries management. When women’s voices are supported and included, the discussions become more representative and the solutions more robust. This event demonstrated the value of creating time and space for women across the industry to learn from each other,’ commented UK Women in Fisheries network co-ordinator Stephanie Lucas.
The programme also offered informal opportunities to connect, including an Industry-Science Mixer which brought together researchers and industry members for short, focused conversations about ongoing projects and opportunities for collaboration.
Participants described leaving the event feeling more confident , better informed, encouraged to speak up and part of a wider community of women working across fisheries. Many highlighted the value of having an event like this targeted at women working in the fishing industry, giving the opportunity for open discussion, shared experience and new professional relationships.
‘If you’re unsure an F-REP is for you, and that’s putting you off applying, apply! Making connections with others in the industry as well as hearing from ‘the other side’ could be invaluable and reignite your fire!’ said Nicola Webster of the Norfolk Fishermen’s Network.
FITF and UK WIF emphasise that broadening participation in fisheries management relies on opportunity, confidence and access to knowledge. Fishing into the Futures’ F-REPs are designed to support all three and will contribute to strengthening collaboration and representation across the sector in the years ahead.
