Last week, we had the honour of hosting a group of talented young women from across the Mediterranean and the Black Sea at our production facility in Dueñas, Spain. Their visit was part of the "III Programme on Sustainable Aquaculture Practices," an inspiring initiative organised by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), FEAP (The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers), and The Spanish Aquaculture Business Association APROMAR.
Participants of the "III Programme on Sustainable Aquaculture Practices" at our production facility in Dueñas
This programme was created as aquaculture plays a key role in economic development and food security across the Mediterranean and Black Sea region, and women are at the heart of its success. From managing fish farms to conducting research in laboratories, women hold essential roles in every corner of the sector. Yet, too often, their contributions go unrecognised, and opportunities for education and advancement remain limited.
Through its 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the GFCM envisions a fair and inclusive industry where women are fully supported. This programme is a step towards that vision, bringing together young women to learn about the latest developments in aquaculture and gain hands-on experience with some of the best expertsin the field.
Our guests began their visit with a tour of our facility, where we shared our commitment to innovation and sustainability in aquaculture. We showcased how our research-backed formulations and advanced technologies are helping to boost growth rates, lower mortality, and improve feed efficiency, all while minimising environmental impact.
“One of the most inspiring parts of the day was hearing from Elena, a veterinarian.” said one of the attendees. Elena Planas, a veterinarian and BioMar colleague with an extensive background in the world of aquaculture in our West Med region, shared her journey as a woman in aquaculture, highlighting her challenges and triumphs. Her story resonated deeply with our visitors, sparking discussions about the critical role of diversity and inclusion in our sector.
Attendees listening to Elena's presentation
This programme is designed to give these young women a comprehensive understanding of aquaculture, from theoretical sessions led by experts to field visits highlighting diverse environments, species, and production systems across the Mediterranean. By engaging directly with industry leaders, participants gain valuable insights into best practices and the importance of women's involvement in the sector. The programme also showcases the GFCM's approach to sustainable development, ensuring these young professionals have the knowledge and skills to drive positive change in their communities.
At BioMar, we were excited to contribute to this mission. Building a sustainable future for aquaculture goes hand-in-hand with promoting equality and diversity within the sector. By empowering young women, we support their professional growth and strengthen the entire aquaculture community.
We are proud to be part of the GFCM’s initiative and are deeply committed to supporting programmes that align with our sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity values. It's our mission to lead the way in sustainable aquaculture feed solutions while nurturing the next generation of aquaculture professionals.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the GFCM, FAO, FEAP, and APROMAR for organising such a meaningful programme and allowing us to be part of this incredible journey. We look forward to continuing to work together to empower more women, embrace diversity, and champion sustainability in aquaculture!
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At BioMar, we believe that equality is crucial to change the world. That is why we are proud to announce our participation in the Lead the Future campaign, led by Above & Beyond. This initiative aims to close the gender gap in STEM by empowering young women to pursue careers and leadership roles in these fields.
From her early days as a chemical engineer to becoming a Global Process Innovation Unit Manager at BioMar, her journey is one of discovery and personal evolution.
Helen Hamilton, Global Sustainability Manager at BioMar Group, is one of our North American women who has made significant contributions to the aquaculture industry
Risha Alleyne’s journey from Trinidad and Tobago to becoming a leader in Caribbean aquaculture is driven by her vision for sustainable food security and her commitment to empowering communities through innovation and education.
Silia’s journey from a small Bahamian fishing village to a leader in coral restoration is a story of passion, science, and a deep commitment to saving our oceans.
From Saint Lucia to the Bahamas, Mia Avril’s journey in aquaculture is fueled by passion and a commitment to sustainable solutions.
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At BioMar, we are honoured to work with a group of brilliant and dedicated North American women driving aquaculture development.
BioMar is proud to support women who are passionate about aquaculture and marine science. In 2023, we announced our sponsorship of Women in Caribbean Aquaculture (WiCA), a network of female professionals and students dedicated to advancing the aquaculture industry in the region.
Monica Juarez Ceballos, R&D Senior Scientist at BioMar, is one of our North American women that helps advance the aquaculture industry. Originally from Mexico City, Monica has spent the past 16 years living in Norway, where she has integrated herself in the Nordic country without loosing any of her Mexican side.