Women in Seafood: A Spotlight on Diversity and Leadership

By Linda Wood, Aquaculture & Fisheries Manager at Marks and Spencer

Welcome to the latest edition of Fish Focus spotlight on Women in Seafood, Issue 3. In this edition, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women who are leading the charge in the seafood industry.

Pros and Cons of Being a Woman in the Seafood Industry

I’ve never emphasized nor minimized the fact that I am a woman in this industry. In my view, my gender is the least interesting aspect of my professional persona. To spotlight gender might inadvertently diminish my credibility. Being female is neither a disability nor an extraordinary advantage; it’s about expecting true equality in the workplace. My upbringing instilled in me the belief that every individual deserves equal treatment, and I entered my career with this expectation firmly in place.

My experiences have ranged from working in male-dominated settings to being the sole woman in female-heavy environments. Neither extreme is ideal; the best scenario is a diverse team composed of individuals from all backgrounds, united by a shared passion and commitment to excel in our field.

During my tenure on the executive boards of two large processing companies, I often found myself the only woman surrounded by 8 or 9 men. Leadership at both companies would frequently express the need for more women in the room. My response was simple: it’s not about gender; it’s about having leaders who excel in their fields regardless of their sex.

I firmly believe that women are equally capable, if not more so, of driving the industry forward with passion and commitment, and therefore should have equal access to top positions.

Acceptance and Credibility

Throughout my career, I’ve felt a sense of acceptance in various roles. I attribute this to my attitude and work ethic, along with the privilege of working alongside pioneering women in the seafood sector. Their influence taught me that gender should never dictate job competency.

Professionalism and credibility are essential for acceptance. To be taken seriously, it’s crucial to present oneself appropriately—showing up for a fishing job in a skirt and heels invites skepticism rather than respect.

Changing Dynamics for Women in the Industry

While seafood manufacturing and corporate social responsibility (CSR) roles have historically maintained a healthy gender balance, the visibility of women in the fishing fleet has markedly increased in recent years. Witnessing capable young women taking to sea in their own boats is inspiring and signifies progress. Advances in technology and evolving societal expectations allow for a broader range of roles for women, including those that may have previously been seen as physically demanding and limited to men.

This transformation will undeniably benefit the industry as women’s varying perspectives foster improvement and change where necessary.

My Ambitions Moving Forward

I plan to continue my journey in the seafood sector, particularly through my role with Community Catch. Here, women in fisheries will play a crucial role in our developmental agenda, focusing on driving innovation and inspiring others in this important field.

Biggest Achievements

In the past two years, I’ve championed a project to develop an onboard electrical stunning and tailing machine for the Nephrop industry. This initiative aims to improve animal welfare while also enhancing efficiency and profitability for fishermen. I took pride in assembling a dedicated team to make this project a success, most of whom were men. True determination, honesty, and drive can lead to impactful change in the fishing industry.

Encouraging Young Women in the Industry

I’m wholeheartedly supportive of young women entering the seafood sector, though I have not mentored individuals in a formal sense. I encourage every woman I’ve worked with to be proud, to take charge, and to refuse the outdated notion of being the ‘note-taker’ in meetings.

Through numerous presentations, I’ve been told that my story inspires younger generations to assert themselves as leaders in the industry.

Advice for Young Women Entering the Field

Here are some pieces of advice I would give:

• Never preface your question with “this might be a stupid question!”
• Be ready to listen and learn, understanding that many in the fishing industry are self-employed and have their own priorities.
• Dress suitably for your environment; readiness reflects respect.
• Avoid automatically becoming the note-taker during discussions.
• Don’t fall into the role of caterer during meetings; men are equally capable of arranging refreshments.
• Focus on delivering excellence without expecting special treatment based on gender.

With determination and resilience, we can continue to reshape the seafood industry for the better.