World Aquaculture 2023

May 29 - June 1, 2023

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

HOW CAN THE AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY ATTRACT AND RETAIN WOMEN?

Dr Kirsten Abernethy (Executive Officer, Women in Seafood Australasia)

James Garde (CEO, Seafood Maritime Training, Tasmania, Australia)

Julie-Anne Kerandel (Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Economist, Pacific Community, New Caledonia)

Tarun Richards (Business Services Manager, Humpty Doo Barramundi, Darwin, Australia)

Jay R Gorospe (Postdoctoral Researcher, Marine Environment and Resources Foundation. Philippines)



Previous World Aquaculture Conferences have outlined the benefits from having greater inclusivity of women and other under-represented groups in the industry. In this think-tank session, we look deeper into the barriers women face to participate and reach their full potential in aquaculture, and towards solutions – what can individuals, small and large businesses and organisations do to attract and retain women in aquaculture?

In this session we will hear about the challenges and opportunities for women in aquaculture from different perspectives. Presenters will also tell their stories from the ground - the actions they have taken in aquaculture and the lessons they have learned in their journeys towards gender equity.

These presentations will form the basis of an engaging and facilitated discussion between the panel of aquaculture leaders and the audience. We will discuss the deeper tensions for businesses and organisations to make change, opportunities for increasing the attractiveness of the aquaculture industry to women and other under-represented groups entering and thriving in the industry, and actionable solutions for the aquaculture industry in different environments in both the short and long term.