‘Strengthening women’s leadership and investment readiness in Mediterranean and Black Sea aquaculture’ was hosted in İzmir, Türkiye on 19–21 January.
FEDERATION OF EUROPEAN AQUACULTURE PRODUCERS
Women aquaculture professionals from eight Mediterranean and Black Sea countries have completed the 2026 edition of the Women in Aquaculture training series, held in İzmir, Türkiye, from 19 to 21 January.
The programme helped participants evaluate investment opportunities, understand how technical and operational decisions affect financial viability, and identify concrete next steps for business development and collaboration.
In addition to building a professional network among women active in Mediterranean and Black Sea aquatic food systems, initiatives like this promote the Network of Women in Aquaculture, an initiative dedicated to advancing gender equality and inclusion in the global aquaculture sector.
Aquaculture entrepreneurs, farm and hatchery managers, operations and production managers, processors, researchers, and public-sector professionals visited facilities and exchanged insights and knowledge with other experts around investment, innovation, and sustainability.
"Sharing experiences and perspectives with other women in the aquaculture sector created an empowering environment and strong collective energy," noted one participant.
Women in Aquaculture is organized by the United Nations General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), in partnership with the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP), with the participation of FEAP member Aegean Exporters’ Associations.
Moreover, thanks to the support of the European Union, it is part of an ongoing series of training programmes. Previous editions have been held in Tunisia, Greece, and Spain.
"This training goes beyond technical skills. It reflects the commitment of GFCM Members and partners -particularly FEAP- not only to recognize the role of women in aquaculture, but also to turn this commitment into concrete actions that strengthen their contribution to the blue economy," said Houssam Hamza, GFCM Aquaculture Officer.
