Female leadership in aquaculture is growing. Studies show that women in this field tend to prioritize sustainability and community-driven initiatives, reinforcing their positive impact on the industry. More women are stepping into leadership roles, proving that their contributions are essential for a more inclusive and forward-thinking sector.
We spoke with women from different regions of the world, each contributing to the growth of aquaculture. These women are accelerating action for change, gender equality, and equity in the industry. Presented from right to left across the globe, meet some of the leaders among our clients and partners:
Meet the Leaders
- Thu Tâm (Owner, Thu Tâm Aquaculture LLC, Vietnam) – A key distributor of INVE Aquaculture in Vietnam, she has expanded her business from a small operation to a leading aquaculture enterprise.
- Fairouz Abbassi (Hatchery Manager, Aquaculture Tunisienne, Tunisia) – A veterinarian with a strong background in pathology and biosecurity. She has spent the past five years managing the hatchery’s growth and operations, ensuring that each production cycle meets the highest standards of health, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Lara Barazi-Geroulanou (President & CEO, Kefalonia Fisheries, Greece) –An active leader in the aquaculture sector, serving on the boards of various industry associations in Greece and the EU, including the Federation of Greek Maricultures and the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization. She currently serves as President of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers, representing and advocating for the sector at the European level.
- Ana Carolina Guerrelhas (Partner, Aquatec, Brazil) – Has been involved in shrimp farming since 1981 and specialized in shrimp larval production since 1989. With decades of experience, she has played a key role in advancing hatchery practices and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
- Mónica Baquerizo (Financial Manager, Servigroup, Honduras) Has 12 years of experience in developing aquaculture markets in Central America. She leads growth and sustainability strategies while overseeing financial operations.
Now, let’s dive into our conversation with these inspiring women.
Is the aquaculture industry moving toward greater gender equity?
Ana Carolina Guerrelhas: With 44 years in aquaculture, I have seen women’s participation and gender equity increase significantly, especially in the last 10 years.
Thu Tâm: Yes, if men can do it, women can do it too. However, women in the aquaculture industry today often face more challenges than men, balancing work and family life.
The role of women in the aquaculture industry is increasingly important. Women contribute significantly to its sustainable development, working in facilities, research, management, and high-quality product development. Many successful female entrepreneurs lead large enterprises, both domestically and internationally, showcasing their ability to master and overcome challenges.
Thu Tâm (Owner, Thu Tâm Aquaculture LLC, Vietnam)
Fairouz Abbassi: The aquaculture industry has certainly seen progress in recent years when it comes to gender equity. For instance, we’ve seen an increase in programs aimed at encouraging young women to enter this field and also female-focused industry events.
I believe that the industry is moving in the right direction. With continued support, better policies, and more inclusive practices, we can work towards ensuring that women have equal opportunities to succeed and lead in aquaculture.
Lara Barazi-Geroulanou: The aquaculture industry traditionally has a good gender representation if one looks at the overall statistics but this is somewhat misleading as most of positions are in packaging or processing. As in most the challenge remains in increasing female participation in leadership and management.
What initiatives or changes could help make aquaculture more inclusive for women?
Mónica Baquerizo: Several initiatives can be implemented, including establishing gender equity policies that promote equal pay and female representation in leadership positions. Additionally, it is the responsibility of our authorities to create financing programs and technical training opportunities for women involved in the industry.
Mónica Baquerizo (Financial Manager, Servigroup, INVE Distributor in Honduras)
Lara Barazi-Geroulanou: The most important element is to ensure that the best and the brightest young people consider the sector as a career choice to start with. The task for industry leaders is to communicate the attributes of such a career, one that combines science with management and innovation. Once a young woman enters the sector it is important for companies to provide a respectful and meritocratic environment, one where she will not be penalized for choosing to have a family and one that is cognizant that care for children, the home and later elderly parents very often fall on women.
What unique perspectives do women bring to the industry?
Fairouz Abbassi: Women bring valuable perspectives to aquaculture, especially in long term solutions and innovation. They excel at finding long-term solutions, improving communication, and managing complex tasks. Women’s ability to work well in teams and create inclusive environments fosters collaboration and boosts productivity. Their focus on both environmental sustainability and community well-being helps drive responsible practices that benefit the industry. By bringing diverse viewpoints, women help shape a more balanced and forward-thinking aquaculture sector.
Ana Carolina Guerrelhas: The perspectives that women bring to aquaculture include focus, organization, the ability to handle multiple tasks without compromising quality, proactivity, empathy, persistence, and a great sense of humor.
Ana Carolina Guerrelhas (Partner, Aquatec, Brazil)
Lara Barazi-Geroulanou: Women bring unique perspectives to aquaculture, particularly in sustainability, innovation, and social impact. Their approach to resource management and leadership prioritizes environmental responsibility and economic resilience. Women excel in collaboration and community engagement, fostering social responsibility and economic opportunities, especially in regions where aquaculture is vital for food security and job creation.
As the industry becomes more technology-driven, women’s participation in science, engineering, and management shapes innovative solutions. Their diverse problem-solving and leadership styles contribute to a resilient, ethical, and forward-thinking industry.
The increased participation of women in aquaculture is not just about gender balance—it’s about tapping into a broader talent pool that strengthens the entire industry.
Monica Baquerizo: Women overcome structural barriers with perseverance, allowing us to continue contributing to an innovative vision and facing the challenges that arise in the industry.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career, and how did you accomplish it?
Thu Tâm: Initially, I ran a small business in Vietnam, buying and selling aquaculture products locally. About 10 years ago, recognizing the potential in the aquaculture industry, I decided to expand into farming and invest in ponds. By learning from experienced individuals and dedicating time to mastering farming techniques and improving processes, I was able to establish a stable farm. Today, I am proud to be a distributor for INVE Co., Ltd., expanding our network to multiple Vietnamese regions, while ensuring the sustainable development of my farm.
Fairouz Abbassi: Leading the hatchery at Aquaculture Tunisienne to improve production efficiency and biosecurity is one of my proudest achievements. Initially, we faced challenges in disease management and fry health. By implementing rigorous biosecurity protocols and better disease prevention practices, we increased productivity while maintaining high fish health standards.
Fairouz Abbassi (Hatchery Manager, Aquaculture Tunisienne, Tunisia)
Lara Barazi-Geroulanou: I am most proud to have been able to grow our company Kefalonia Fisheries from a small, family-owned business to a large and financially strong enterprise preserving our values of community, dedication to environmental stewardship and product quality.
Mónica Baquerizo: I am proud to be an independent, visionary, and empathetic woman with a passion for continuous learning. Every day, I strive for personal and professional growth, maintaining strong discipline and unwavering confidence.
If you could give one piece of advice to a woman starting in aquaculture, what would it be?
Mónica Baquerizo: Continuous learning, thoroughly researching the market, and surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people—combined with discipline and determination—are key to success in aquaculture and any other field.
Fairouz Abbassi: My advice would be to stay confident and keep learning. Aquaculture is a challenging field, but with patience and determination, you can succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek support from others. Build your skills, stay curious, and It’s also important to be patient with yourself because success in this industry often takes time, but persistence and passion will get you there. Build a strong network, seek mentorship, and stay committed to learning—your confidence and knowledge will be your greatest assets.
Lara Barazi-Geroulanou: Be rigorous in your knowledge and detail-oriented. Develop the skill of continuous learning. Learn to work well in teams, be cooperative and always strive for the win-win solution. Look and develop relationships with mentors, I have been fortunate to have been helped all along in my career by the generous advice of more experienced professionals – this is invaluable!
Lara Barazi-Geroulanou (President & CEO, Kefalonia Fisheries, Greece)
However, beyond these stories, countless women across the aquaculture sector—whether in hatcheries, farms, research, management, or trade—are accelerating action every day.
This year, Accelerate Action is the theme of International Women’s Day, emphasizing the urgency of making faster, more effective strides toward gender equality. While progress has been made, true inclusivity requires continuous effort—mentoring, advocating, investing, and breaking down barriers at every level of the industry.
Change is a collective effort. By working together, we can build a future where opportunities in aquaculture—and beyond—are accessible to all, regardless of gender. Let’s not wait for change—let’s accelerate action today.
International Women’s Day 2025