The next installment of the ‘Women in Ocean Food’ programme is set to take place in January 2025 in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Photo: ASC.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs in the aquaculture sector by announcing its continued support for the ‘Women in Ocean Food’ programme.
The programme, launched to support early-stage female innovators in emerging markets, provides resources, training, and networking opportunities.
ASC will fund the initiative for the next three years, in partnership with Conservation International (CI) Ventures and Hatch Blue.
"ASC was the first sponsor of this programme at its inception and we are delighted to continue our support so we can drive change beyond certification, inspire the next generation of leaders and create a lasting impact in seafood farming communities," said ASC Chief Executive Chris Ninnes in a press announcement.
“The ‘Women in Ocean Food’ programme supports women to thrive in the blue food sector by providing resources, training and networking opportunities; helping them recognise and fulfill future aspirations. Committing to three years of funding allows for enhanced community-building and longer-term support for the participants," Ninnes added.
The next installment of the ‘Women in Ocean Food’ programme is set to take place in January 2025 in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This two-week event will welcome 24 participants and mark the fourth globally-focused studio sponsored by ASC.
Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of industry experts, receiving critical feedback and the potential for funding. Alongside fostering innovation and sustainability, the programme addresses the unique challenges faced by women in aquaculture, empowering them to lead transformative change in the industry.
A member of the ASC team will also host a 90-minute masterclass during the event and provide mentorship to participants, extending the council’s influence and expertise to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
"By focusing on Latin America for three consecutive years, ASC and its partners can provide higher-quality long term support, and participating companies and projects can better explore collaboration and synergies within the region," ASC stated.
“We are incredibly grateful to ASC for sponsoring the Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio and helping propel it into the future," said Wayne Murphy, Co-founder and Partner in Hatch Blue. "Their support is vital in fostering an environment where female leaders can thrive and drive meaningful change."
"Empowering women in ocean-related industries not only brings diverse perspectives but also strengthens our collective ability to create sustainable solutions for the planet. It’s crucial that we continue to invest in and support these leaders, as their work will shape the future of ocean food systems and inspire the next generation of innovators," Murphy added.
Gracie White, Director of Global Oceans Investments at Conservation International Ventures LLC said, “It’s wonderful to have ASC’s continued support for this programme. Their team members have been fantastic mentors for previous cohorts, and I know our future participants will similarly benefit from their involvement.”