WIF-REP
Join us as we deep-dive the first ever WIF-REP event. Which brought over 50 women together from across the Seafood Sector.
At a time when women working in fishing, processing, research and management have too often operated behind the scenes,which even includes unpaid roles, the partnership between Fishing into the Future (FITF) and UK Women in Fisheries (UK WIF) launched the first-ever Women in Fisheries F-REP (WIF-REP);a three-day intensive learning experience designed to build confidence, knowledge and networks among women across the industry.
FITF’s Emma Plotnek said: “Lasting change in fisheries comes through working together… Despite having the potential to play a powerful role, we often see less women participating in collaborative spaces.”
Stephanie Lucas, Network Coordinator for UK Women in Fisheries, added: “Diverse participation strengthens fisheries management. Bringing women into the discussion doesn’t displace anyone, it enhances the quality of the dialogue. We know that when women are in the room, we have more robust, creative and sustainable solutions, and when women's voices are heard, supported and even celebrated, everybody benefits”.
Day One -The Science Behind Sustainable Fisheries
After an evening of introductions, day one focused on grounding attendees in the fundamentals of fisheries science. Facilitated by Hannah Fennell (Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and Chair of UK WIF), the group heard from Michel Kaiser (Heriot-Watt University) and Gwladys Lambert (Cefas), who unpacked the science behind marine ecosystems, fisheries management, and stock sustainability.
Cefas’ Sam Birch then spoke to the group about the realities of being a fisheries observer, before the group split up to do a hands-on group activity where participants received a realistic taste of data collection and stock assessment.
‘The difference in approach to fishing between men and women really underscores why we need more women in fishing and for them to be part of today’s critical conversations’- Michel Kaiser
The day closed with an Industry Science Mixer, where innovative research projects were shared in a “science speed-dating” style to spark collaboration.It was also a humbling moment for UK WIF: with so many attendees approaching wanting to chat, connect and make the most of what the WIF community can offer.
Day Two - Co-Management, Policy, and Representation
The second day explored how partnership and cooperation enhances modern fisheries management. Aisling Lannin opened the session, leading into a group discussion with policy representatives from DEFRA, MMO and the Scottish Government Marine Directorate. Participants gained insight into how decisions are made and where industry voices can shape outcomes.
This set the stage for a deeper dive into co-management and the strengths women bring to joint decision-making.A panel discussion on fishing associations - featuring Hannah Fennell, Juliette Hatchman (SWFPO), Yasmin Ornsby (Hastings FPS), Nicola Webster (North Norfolk FS) and Joanna Lenehan (NFFO) - offered practical advice on advocacy, good representation, and navigating sector leadership.
“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.”
Day Three - Economics, Communications and Social Science
The final day began with an early-morning trip to Billingsgate Market, giving participants a direct look at the seafood supply chain before returning for a session on seafood economics with Hazel Curtis.
Participants were then led by Harriet Yates-Smith (Hello Charlie) and Ashley Mullenger (UK WIF) into a session on communications and marketing which delivered practical insight on narrative-building, reputation management and using social media effectively - followed by a lively Q&A on how to tell your story.
The programme closed with Molly Atkins (University of Gloucestershire), who highlighted the value of social science in fisheries, including understanding rights as an interviewee and engaging confidently with researchers.
“Wrapping up the event, we learned how this event has impacted the women in attendance - With one participant telling us she used to feel weak and alone, and now she doesn’t. ”
A Different Kind of F-REP Experience
A standout moment of each F-REP is the interactive roleplay, where participants take on fictional roles to negotiate a simulated Fisheries Management Plan.
“We saw, in some cases, a wider range of management options being discussed with a core focus on community and environmental welfare.”
The unique all-women environment created space for honest conversation, shared experience, and new confidence - something that clearly resonated.
“We saw first-hand new friendships being made between all members of the seafood space, and we look forward to seeing the future collaborations that stem from the connections made here”
Looking Ahead
As the WIF-REP cohort returns to their roles across the seafood sector, the hope is that the knowledge, networks and confidence built here will translate into stronger representation and more diverse voices in future decision-making. This programme marks the beginning of that journey, not the end.
UK Women in Fisheries and Fishing Into The Future really value the input and expertise of all the women who attended the WIF-REP and would not only like to thank everybody in attendance for making it a very special and insightful event, but to our funders The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation,The Fishmongers Company and The Seafarers Charity, for making it possible.
