The Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) breakfast returns to the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) Conference 2025, shining a spotlight on leadership, collaboration, and the growing presence of women across Scotland’s blue economy.

Sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the session will feature an inspiring leadership panel chaired by Jill Couto-Phoenix of Lantra, with panellists Donna Fordyce (Seafood Scotland), Melanie Siggs (Global Seafood Alliance), Rhianna Rees (Scottish Seaweed Industry Association), and Alison Baker (Eco Cascade CIC).

The discussion will explore progress made toward gender balance in aquaculture (an industry long defined by male leadership) and celebrate the increasing number of women stepping into senior roles across seaweed, shellfish, and finfish.

Speaking ahead of the event, Rhianna Rees, CEO of the SSIA, said:

“It’s important to highlight women and their achievements, but equally to share the challenges we’ve faced and the advice we can offer others in the sector. Conversations like these remind us how far we’ve come, and how much further we can go when we work together.”

The WiSA breakfast takes place on Thursday 13th November at 8.30am as part of the Scottish Seaweed Industry Conference in Oban (12 - 13 November).