Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) reaffirms financial commitment to Women in Ocean Food program

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced that it will fund the Women in Ocean Food program, which supports early-stage women entrepreneurs in seafood, for the next three years. “The Women in Ocean Food program supports women to thrive in the blue food sector by providing resources, training, and networking opportunities, helping them recognize and fulfill future aspirations," ASC CEO Chris Ninnes said. "Committing to three years of funding allows for enhanced community-building and longer-term support for the participants.”

The support, which will come from ASC in partnership with Conservation International (CI) Ventures and Hatch Blue, continues the organization’s commitment to the women’s empowerment program. “ASC was the first sponsor of this program 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,” Ninnes said.  

The program brings women in seafood together to learn, network, and share resources. The next event will take place in Baja, Mexico, in January, and host 24 participants for two weeks of pitch opportunities, feedback from industry and leadership experts, and networking to build funding opportunities.

The program, which will center on Latin America for the next three years, empowers women to lead the way on the sustainable transformation of the seafood sector. “Empowering women in ocean-related industries not only brings diverse perspectives, but also strengthens our collective ability to create sustainable solutions for the planet," Hatch Blue co-founder and partner Wayne Murphy said. "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.”

Last year’s event was held in La Paz, Mexico, and saw 86 percent of its participants adjusting their business plans after the strategy support they got from industry experts through the program. All the La Paz participants changed their approach to funding, and the teams collectively raised USD 171,000 (EUR 162,938).