Women in Scottish Aquaculture has grown to almost 400 members.
Photo: WiSA / Nick Mailer Photography.
The professional network Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) has found a new host, as UK environmental training body Lantra confirms it will be taking over management of the organization from previous host SAIC.
"Delighted to be able to announce that Lantra is 'taking over the helm' of Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA). I am really looking forward to building on the work of SAIC, and supporting the further growth and development of this initiative," wrote Lantra Scotland director, Liz Barron-Majerik, announcing the news in a LinkedIn post.
"Growing the diversity of the sectors we work with is very important to us, and whilst we can bring learning from our work with forestry and agriculture, we can also learn from the journey WiSA has been on, and from the experience and expertise of the advisory group," Barron-Majerik said separately, in a press release.
In support of this, Lantra has appointed former SAIC Head of Skills and Talent, Jillian Couto-Phoenix, as its new head of aquaculture, to ensure a smooth transition to the new organisation, and also to develop relationships between Lantra and UK aquaculture employers with an eye to training and skills development for this growing sector.
The WiSA network grew out of an initiative led by Heather Jones, SAIC CEO, aiming to encourage more women to pursue careers in aquaculture, and has been hosted by the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) in Stirling since it was launched in 2019.
However, in June 2024, WiSA announced it was looking for a new host after changes to SAIC's funding meant the innovation centre could no longer provide administrative support to the network. In March 2024, SAIC secured a new funding package focused on enhancing research and development in finfish health and wellbeing.
“Since WiSA began on International Women’s Day 2019, it has grown into a powerful grassroots network championing women and supporting hundreds of aquaculture professionals with career development. The goal was to highlight the important role of women in the sector, attract new entrants, and actively look for ways to improve the conditions for those already invested in it," Jones said, welcoming the development.
"The network is thriving, and it is fantastic to hand over the reins to the team at Lantra who will see the valuable work continue," she added.
Kimberley McKinnell, Bakkafrost Scotland - WiSA role model award winner 2024.
Photo: WiSA / Nick Mailer.
In addition to organising meetings, networking and training opportunities, WiSA's activities include a mentoring programme, matching women in the aquaculture sector with industry leaders to support career and professional development over the span of 9 months.
WiSA also formally recognises achievements of women in the sector through the annual WiSA awards, announced on International Women's Day, which this year also marked the network's 5-year anniversary.
