Who are we?

UK Women in Fisheries is a network for all women who work in UK fishing, be you vessel owners, fleet managers, fishermen, fishmongers, processors, fishing conservationists, charity workers, trainers or workers somewhere else in the fishing industry.

Research shows that women's roles in fisheries are vital, from net to plate (Gustavsson, 2020), and UK Women in Fisheries is here to recognise the work that we do, and support it.

Through networking, events and resources, members will get to know each other, support each other and build a presence. Women’s role in fisheries will be recognised and their voices heard, so that the whole sector can be improved. The award-winning film below tells the whole story.

About us

We formed the UK Women in Fisheries Network as a response to findings from a four-year research project.

Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, this study highlighted women's 'invisible' roles in the UK fishing industry. We spoke with women from a range of backgrounds across the fishing community; those who were part of fishing families, entrepreneurs in the sector, involved in fish processing, and who worked onboard fishing vessels.

Our participants were the experts and we collected data by listening to their experiences. Led by Dr Madeleine Gustavsson, we have published several research papers that highlight women’s roles in the UK fishing industry. You can read more about these studies on our Research page.

We have also published a policy briefing designed to highlight both the challenges and opportunities women working in the fishing sector can face.

Our aims

We will connect women across the fisheries sector to strengthen relationships and benefit the whole industry.

The many and varied roles of women in the fisheries sector will be recognised, by coming together with one voice, we will connect, share information and raise aspirations.

Participants will help to increase the sustainability of fishing for both humans and fish. We will also lobby for improvements to make the whole of the fisheries sector thrive, both now and for future generations.