The seafood industry needs more female talent because women are underrepresented across the sector, according to a new survey by Seafish.
Seafish’s survey indicated that more than three quarters (77%) of respondents currently working across the UK seafood industry, would actively encourage more women to join the sector
As a result, two thirds (67%) feel that the UK industry could do more to encourage women to take up the career opportunities the seafood sector offers.
Mel Groundsell, corporate relations director at Seafish, said: “We know that gender balance is good for business. This survey has shown us that people currently working in the industry are passionate and willing to champion our industry to attract new talent.”
“However, there is a feeling that there is work to be done, in terms of highlighting the opportunities, in particular career progression, and making the industry a more attractive and accessible place for female employees.”
The research, carried out by Seafish and IntraFish, canvassed those working across the UK seafood supply chain, with a focus on women, to find out their views on gender diversity and potential barriers for women joining the industry.
This was part of a wider ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the issue and attract more women to the sector.
Worryingly, the survey found that gender bias remains a common issue in the industry, with nearly a third (30%) of respondents having encountered it in some form during their career.
And nearly half (48%) of respondents said they felt women are discouraged from joining the industry because it is perceived to be male dominated.
Seafish wants to encourage women working in the UK seafood industry to link up with their female colleagues across the world through the International Association for Women in the Seafood Industry (WSI).
