Fishing Into The Future & UK Women In Fisheries Unite in New Venture

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Fishing Into The Future and UK Women in Fisheries join forces to help women share knowledge, build confidence, and shape the future of fisheries management

FITF encourages fishermen to join the discussion on fisheries management on 01 April

Industry-led charity, Fishing into the Future (FITF) and established industry network, UK Women in Fisheries (WIF), have teamed up to deliver the first ever Women in Fisheries collaboration of FITF’s popular Fisheries Resource Education Programme (F-REP) – known as the ‘WIF-REP’.

The curriculum at this three-day residential event (17-20 November) will be similar to previous F-REPs but the event itself is targeted at women working in and with the UK fishing industry, from vessel owners, skippers and crew, managers of businesses and association representatives, fishmongers, processors, researchers, fisheries managers, charity workers, and trainers.

Whilst women are in the minority when it comes to working in visible roles on fishing boats, they occupy many direct and often unseen roles across the sector – from fish capture, trading and processing, to management, administration, and community support.

This event provides space for women working in all parts of UK fisheries to share knowledge, build confidence and strengthen connections, while learning from one another’s experiences. The aim is to support women to further develop the understanding and tools needed to play an active part in fisheries science, management and co-management into the future.

Ashley Mullenger, Digital Comms Officer at UK Women in Fisheries and independent fisherman commented:

“Women have always been a part of the story of UK fishing – whether that’s at sea, onshore or in communities – but their roles have too often gone unseen or been considered as ‘help’ not ‘work’.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with Fishing into the Future on this first-of-its-kind event. The WIF-REP is about recognising the breadth of work women are already doing in fishing, from the quay to the boardroom, and giving them the tools and confidence to build on it.”

Unlike previous F-REP events which have been developed for a specific fishery or geography, this event is industry-wide with the agenda developed by a committed and experienced Steering Committee of women from across UK fisheries.

Approximately 50 attendees will experience a range of learning, interactive workshops and practical exercises such as a stock assessment survey and a “mock” multi-stakeholder working group, designed to advance experience and boost confidence which they can take back to their jobs and communities.

There will also be social events such as an early morning visit to Billingsgate Market and an Industry-Science mixer, aimed at more informal knowledge exchange and relationship building.

Emma Plotnek, Executive Director, Fishing into the Future said:

“The WIF-REP is about giving women the space to share information and knowledge, build confidence, and give them the tools to them to explore solutions that will shape the future of our industry.

“We know that lasting change in fisheries comes through working together, and we often see less women participating in collaborative spaces, despite having the potential to play a powerful role in the development of UK fisheries and driving positive change across the sector.”

Mike Cohen or from the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations said:

“This event is a perfect example of how bringing people together, across roles, generations and geographies, strengthens the whole sector. This isn’t about separating women from the industry. It’s about supporting them as an integral and fundamental part of it. Women represent over 50% of the talent pool.

“The fishing industry cannot afford to overlook this talent and need to encourage more women to enter our sector. By creating time and space for women to connect and learn together, we’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient fishing community for everyone.”

The outcomes of the WIF-REP will extend far beyond the event itself. Participants will leave with new skills, confidence and connections that will strengthen their ability to take part in key conversations and decision-making spaces across the industry.

By sharing learnings and experiences more widely, the programme aims to support a more collaborative, informed and resilient UK fisheries sector for the years ahead.

Source: Press Release