Women in Scottish Aquaculture network finds new host

The future of Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA), the network established to support the growth and development of women in the sector, has been secured with the news that skills body Lantra Scotland is to take over as its new host.

WiSA was set up by the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), but changes to SAIC’s own funding, and a narrower focus of finfish health, meant that it could no longer continue as host.

The move appears to be a good fit. As well as providing training, qualifications, and skills development opportunities, Lantra is already involved in the Women in Agriculture and Women in Forestry groups and helps to shine a spotlight on the contribution of women in key rural industries.

Jillian Couto-Phoenix, who as Head of Skills and Talent at SAIC played a key role in promoting WiSA, has been appointed as Head of Aquaculture at Lantra Scotland.

In her new position, Couto-Phoenix will help to support a smooth transition between WiSA host organisations, as well as focusing on developing relationships between UK aquaculture employers and the skills body to ensure the workforce is well-equipped for the future.

Lantra said: “Jillian will help to grow and develop Lantra’s capabilities in the sector and, among other activities, work to identify and bridge the gaps between current training provision and the sector’s needs.”

Jillian Couto-Phoenix

WiSA’s future secured

WiSA will continue to be led by an experienced advisory group, with administrative support from Lantra, and has plans to build on the success of various knowledge-sharing initiatives, skills development programmes, and events, including the annual awards and mentoring scheme.

In five years, the WiSA network has grown to almost 400 participants, including women and men from finfish, shellfish, and seaweed-related fields, operating in industry, government, academia, and non-governmental organisations.

Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE, director of Lantra Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be taking on the hosting of the WiSA network and look forward to supporting its further growth and development. Growing the diversity of the sectors we work with is very important to us, and whilst we can bring learning from our work with forestry and agriculture, we can also learn from the journey WiSA has been on, and from the experience and expertise of the advisory group. I look forward to getting started!”

Heather Jones, founder of WiSA, said: “Since WiSA began on International Women’s Day 2019, it has grown into a powerful grassroots network championing women and supporting hundreds of aquaculture professionals with career development. The goal was to highlight the important role of women in the sector, attract new entrants, and actively look for ways to improve the conditions for those already invested in it. The network is thriving, and it is fantastic to hand over the reins to the team at Lantra who will see the valuable work continue.”

Commenting on her new role, Jillian Couto-Phoenix said: “Joining Lantra is an exciting next step, allowing me to build on my achievements to date at SAIC and continue working in aquaculture. We have an abundance of talent, whom we must continue to nurture to ensure they have the skills and qualifications to match sector requirements as they evolve to embrace new technology and tackle new challenges. I’m looking forward to supporting both employers and employees as part of my new role.”

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon at the 2022 International Womens’ Day event organised by WiSA