Spotlight on Women in Seafood: Libby Woodhatch’s Journey
Libby Woodhatch, Executive Chair at MarinTrust LTD, welcomes you to Issue 3 of Fish Focus’s spotlight on women in the seafood industry. Together, we celebrate the remarkable women who are paving the way in this dynamic field.
A Lifelong Passion for the Sea
From a young age, I’ve been deeply passionate about learning, and the seafood industry has always offered ample opportunities for exploration. It’s been a remarkable 30-year journey that I feel has just begun.
Roots in the Seafood Industry
Growing up near the bustling crab industry in Salcombe, my path towards a career connected to the ocean felt inevitable. Influenced by my father’s work around ships, I pursued a degree in Fisheries Science at the University of Plymouth, a decision that truly changed my life.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
In the mid-90s, the seafood industry was largely male-dominated, a reality I hardly noticed as I forged my own path. Yet, with hindsight, I recognize that some experiences would be considered unacceptable today.
Hands-On Experience and Consultancy
My thirst for practical experience led me to do a master’s in Fisheries Development and participate in a seafood transport and distribution project. This exposure highlighted the industry’s global complexity, spurring me to establish my own consultancy for diverse experience.
A New Opportunity
In 2003, I unexpectedly secured the role of CEO at Seafood Scotland. This position allowed me to work comprehensively within the industry, from catch to consumer, aiming to make a meaningful impact.
Bridging the Gap
One of my most gratifying experiences was facilitating connections between NGOs and the fishing sector, especially following the delisting of a notable species by some retailers. This engagement was vital as it fostered understanding in both sectors, marking a transformative moment in my career.
The Importance of Communication
As sustainability became a focal point in the early 2000s, effective communication became paramount. The seafood industry has a compelling narrative, continually evolving to address labor rights and welfare alongside environmental challenges, creating openings for more women in the field.
Advocacy and Global Responsibilities
Post-South Scotland, I transitioned to the role of Head of Advocacy at Seafish, where I focused on seafood ethics and the development of the Responsible Fishing Vessel Scheme.
Leading MarinTrust
In 2018, I took on the role of Executive Chair at MarinTrust, overseeing the global standards for marine ingredients. This sector is essential for aquafeed, pet food, and nutraceuticals—pioneering efforts in third-party certification before it became standardized.
A Journey Filled with Experiences
My career has been colorful, from attending Royal Garden Parties to becoming the first externally elected woman in the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers’ Livery. Yet, the greatest privilege has been my immersion into the industry, from spending time at sea to visiting processing plants and engaging with dedicated professionals worldwide.
A Commitment to Community
Serving as a Trustee and later Vice Chair for the Fishermen’s Mission deepened my understanding of the hardships that fishermen and their families endure and amplified my admiration for the charity’s dedicated team.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, I am excited to share that I’ve recently accepted the position of Vice Chair at Certified Seafood International, focused on responsibly managed fisheries. There will be more women alongside me, illustrating the significant progress that has been made. To anyone contemplating a career in seafood, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in—the opportunities are boundless!
