Speaker Announcement for the ASC MSC Launch of Sustainable Seafood Week Sets the Stage for Female-Led Discussions in Sustainability.
In celebration of International Women's Day, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) are proud to announce the remarkable lineup of women who will lead discussions on sustainability at the Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia on March 15 as part of the Super Seafood Launch Australia. The event will take place at the iconic Australian National Maritime Museum and will kick off Sustainable Seafood Week (March 18-24).
The representation of extraordinary women is dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future, with each bringing their expertise and passion to the forefront. This announcement underscores the vital role of women in steering sustainability conversations, especially in traditionally perceived male-dominated industries such as fisheries and aquaculture.
Dr Joanna McMillan, Liandra Gaykamangu, Emily Jateff, and Anne Gabriel are the women who will lead the charge at the event. Dr McMillan, a PhD-qualified Nutrition Scientist and accredited Practicing Dietitian, will reveal the top eight Superfoods that will help Australians meet their nutritional needs affordably and sustainably. Liandra Gaykamangu, Founder and Sustainable Swimwear Designer of Liandra, will share her approach to creating a social-impact and full-cycle sustainability model for production lines. Emily Jateff, Senior Curator, Maritime Trade & Industry, Ocean Science and Technology at the Australian National Maritime Museum, will reveal powerful storytelling techniques that create mainstream behavior change impact. Anne Gabriel, MSC Program Director for Oceania and Singapore, will showcase her dedication to driving positive change in sustainable fishing and seafood.
The event will not only recognize outstanding achievements in sustainable seafood but also encourage recognition of women's indispensable contributions in a space where their representation, especially in leadership positions, is often overlooked.
With over 50% of the global seafood industry made up of women and more than 25% in Australia, Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA) aims to bridge the knowledge gap in the industry and advocate for increased recognition of women's roles and experiences as well as opportunities for women throughout the nation. Women in Seafood Australasia Executive Officer Dr Kirsten Abernethy highlights the importance of female representation at internationally recognised events such as the Sustainable Seafood Awards.
Dr Abernethy says, "Women make vital contributions to the Australian Seafood Industry, yet they are often hidden from view. Women are leading in entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability and have an incredible passion for the seafood industry. It is important that internationally recognised events platform women."
"How women contribute to the Australian seafood industry has been poorly understood, underestimated and undervalued. While women in the Australian seafood industry would benefit from a gender lens and greater inclusivity, the Australian seafood industry would also benefit," says Dr Abernethy.
Women play a crucial role in sustainable development. They are catalysts for change and are highly effective in leading efforts to combat the intertwined impact of climate change and gender inequality.
Kiarne Treacy, the Founder and CEO of Sustainable Choice Group, affirms, "More than I have ever experienced in my career to date, I notice that the advancement of environmental causes, wildlife preservation and sustainability initiatives are championed by a large collective of female leaders. In our space, women lift other women. We hire women, teach them, promote them and innovate collaboratively. The power of a collective of strong women driving positive outcomes is a force like no other and one I am very proud to be a part of."
The Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia recognise organisations and individuals making a significant contribution to ensure we have fish forever. Winners will be announced at the Launch of Sustainable Seafood Week Event on March 15.
During Sustainable Seafood Week, the MSC and ASC will raise awareness of their certification labels with a new advertising campaign promoting certified seafood, dubbed ‘super seafood’. The advert showcases MSC-certified fisheries and ASC-certified farms in Australia and the heroes behind the scenes that make certified seafood possible.
