$10k scholarships to encourage women into aquaculture

THE highly innovative Norwegian salmon farmer Kvarøy Arctic is once again promoting the role of women in fish farming.

For the third year in succession, it is awarding two annual scholarships to support the further education, research, and career development of women in the field of aquaculture.

One of the scholarships is dedicated to an applicant from any country globally and the other is designated for applicants from countries in Africa, where fish farming is taking on an increasingly important role.

Based near the Arctic Circle, Kvarøy Arctic is renowned for enterprise in managing to double the omega-3 content over other farmed salmon, an achievement certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check programme. It also uses no antibiotics or chemicals in its production cycle.

This year it was hailed by Fast Company as the second most innovative company in the “small and mighty” category for leading the way in sustainable aquaculture.

Through education, this progressive family-owned salmon farm is committed to fighting against inequality, hunger, ocean pollution, and climate change.

The application process is now open and continues until July 1st with women from all around the world invited to apply.

The two winners will be announced on August 1st. The programme provides a $10,000 fund for education and scientific research to each of the two recipients as well as the opportunity to gain practical experience as an intern at Kvarøy Arctic’s sustainable salmon farm sites.

To ensure fair disposition, Kvarøy Arctic has invited women who are already transforming the state of aquaculture to join the scholarship committee. Julie Kuchepatov from Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and Imani Black from Minorities in Aquaculture, together with Kvarøy Artic’s management team, oversee the annual scholarship.

Launched in 2020, the mission of the scholarship is to help women learn about the future of food and stewardship in sustainable aquaculture. Since the beginning of the program, nearly 500 women from more than 30 countries have applied for the scholarship.

Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) is a non-profit initiative, which was founded by Julie Kuchepatov. SAGE’s goal is to work towards a more diverse, inclusive, ethical, and sustainable seafood industry.

Kuchepatov explained: “Two things women in aquaculture desperately need are access to funding and practical experience. The Kvarøy Arctic Women in Aquaculture Scholarships provide both and signal a strong belief that women will continue to innovate and lead the sector into a bright, blue future.”

Kvarøy Arctic CEO Alf-Gøran Knutsen, said: “We truly believe that gender equality, sustainability, fighting world hunger, and climate change go hand-in-hand. And aquaculture plays a key role in combating all these challenges.”

How to Apply: Applications and a full list of qualifying criteria is available at the Kvarøy Arctic website (KvaroyArctic.com). Applicants must be 18+ and submit their completed form with a current CV to scholarships@kvaroyarctic.com by 19:00 (U.S. Pacific Time) July 1st, 2022. The recipients will be announced on August 1st.