Aquaculture is central to global food security, economic development, and sustainable livelihoods. As the fastest-growing food production sector, it supports millions of jobs across production, processing, research, and management. Women make up nearly 50% of the global fisheries and aquaculture workforce, yet remain underrepresented in leadership, with limited access to training, finance, and career advancement opportunities - particularly in technical and senior roles.
As the aquaculture sector faces increasing complexity - climate change, biosecurity risks, workforce shortages, and market pressures - gender equity is emerging as a strategic priority. Research shows that inclusive and gender-diverse teams improve business performance, drive innovation, and strengthen organisational resilience.
Australia provides a compelling case study. Its seafood industry contributes significantly to the country’s AU$3.48 billion seafood economy, accounting for around 4% of national primary industries output. However, women represent just 25% of the seafood workforce, a figure that has declined by 20% since 2006. Only 15% of leadership roles are held by women, and the gender pay gap sits at 15%. Many women report feeling excluded from workplace culture, limited access to leadership pathways, and persistent structural barriers—especially in regional areas where aquaculture is a major employer.
In response, Turn the Tide was launched in 2023 by Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA), Affectus, and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), with support from the Office for Women. The national program provides leadership development, mentoring, and professional networks to support women in aquaculture and across the broader seafood sector.
Since its launch, the initiative has engaged 894 women, trained 172 individuals, and partnered with 83 seafood organisations. Participants report a 31% increase in leadership confidence, 70% improvement in facilitation skills, and 100% commitment to advancing gender equity in their workplaces.
Australia’s experience shows how targeted investment in people—particularly in underrepresented groups—can deliver measurable impact across the seafood system. As countries worldwide seek to grow a resilient, skilled, and sustainable aquaculture workforce, investing in all seafood people—across farms, hatcheries, labs, and leadership—is essential.
The future of global aquaculture depends on inclusive systems that support, develop, and value every person in the sector.