Still in its development stage, Women In Welsh Fisheries has initially been established as a vehicle to enable women from within the fishing industry to meet up (currently virtually), share experiences, and raise awareness of their work and lives.
The initiative is facilitated by the Wales Seafood Cluster, a Cywain-led project that encourages collaborative working among companies and individuals in the seafood industry.
Early discussions by group members have highlighted the desire to raise the profile of women already working in the industry and encourage more women to consider fishing or allied sectors as career prospects.
‘In Wales, women hold a plethora of roles within the fishing industry. Some work directly, such as fishers, processors, vessel owners, fishmongers, exporters, and marine researchers.
But there are many more career opportunities that support the industry, for example, marketing, e-commerce, international trade, product development, and accounting,’ said North Wales Seafood Cluster manager Nia Griffith.
A formal launch of Women In Welsh Fisheries is planned for the coming months. Already several potential activities are under discussion – including working with secondary schools along the coast of Wales to raise awareness of the seafood sector as a career opportunity.
‘We want as many women as possible to take up this opportunity to join a group that not only provides a social outlet but understands their way of life, its challenges and opportunities,’ Nia Griffith said.
‘All women involved within the fishing industry in Wales, whether directly, or who support those whose livelihoods depend on the sea – wives, mothers, partners or daughters – are welcome to join. We’re also keen to link up with similar groups across the world to learn from their experiences of setting up a Women In Fisheries group.’
Catch of the Day
Ceredigion fishmonger Jane Roche, knows the value of collaboration and being able to talk to like-minded people in the fishing industry.
In June 2019, she and her husband Richard opened a quayside fishmongers in Cardigan, adding to their existing café.
The arrival of Covid-19 meant that their plans for their first year as fishmongers had to rapidly change, especially as Richard had to shield for many months. The Fishermen’s Rest café was mothballed, and their Catch of the Day fishmonger shop switched to a delivery service.
During this time, Jane found support by immersing herself in a raft of online courses and webinars arranged by the Welsh Seafood Cluster.
‘It helped keep me sane, especially in the first 6-8 weeks,’ she said.
Now, with both enterprises up and running, Jane is highlighting the importance of having a support mechanism for women in the fishing industry. She is encouraging women across the sector in Wales to take up the opportunity to get together to offer each other support and advice when times are tough, as well as being a much needed social outlet.
‘As women we are natural communicators, and in the fishing industry there are not masses of women, but we can be quite strong and vocal!’ Jane Roche said.
‘Having the opportunity to meet and talk to other women in fishing – whether they be fishers, processors, merchants, fishermen’s wives or mothers – really helps, even if it is only for half an hour or an hour. It is wonderful to have like-minded people to support you, and to have a chat with over a glass of wine in a safe environment where you can have a giggle and you won’t be judged.’
Jane wants the group to be proactive too, and to spread the word about the job opportunities for women in the fishing industry.
‘There are many different roles, and we can encourage more women into the industry, raise its profile and help make fishing a more sustainable industry.’
