Last week, 50 women working across the UK fishing and seafood sector came together in London 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.
Speaking about the significance of the programme, FITF Executive Director Emma Plotnek said: “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.”
Stephanie Lucas, Network Coordinator for UK Women in Fisheries, added: “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.”
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.
Ashley Mullinger, Digital Comms Officer at UK Women in Fisheries and independent fisherman said: “The F-REP events do a wonderful job of connecting individuals from a diverse range of sectors and gives them the tools, confidence and contacts to engage in co-management through well-curated educational sessions from industry-leading experts. The WIF-REP was about taking this approach, and at the same time recognising the multiple roles women play right across the sector and the specific needs of that group.”
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.
Highlighting the value of connection, Nicola Webster, Norfolk Fishermen’s Network expressed that: “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!”
As the cohort returns to their roles across the seafood sector, 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.
FITF and UK WIF thank all attendees for their contributions to the programme, as well as The Fishmongers’ Company and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for supporting the event.