
Women in Ocean Food Programme: Empowering Change, One Step at a Time
January 28, 2025
Patricia Bianchi, AIP and Governance Manager with ASC reflects on her experience of supporting the Women in Ocean Food Programme run by HATCH Blue
When I think about my recent experience of presenting on the Improver Programme by ASC at the HATCH Women in Ocean Food programme in La Paz, Baja California Sur, one word stands out: transformation. Not just for the women in the programme, but for me too.
I remember arriving at the event and meeting Anabell from Marea Rosa in Ecuador. From the start, her energy and passion were infectious. She couldn’t wait to talk about the Improver Programme by ASC, and I was amazed at how much knowledge she already had. It was such a great introduction to the incredible women I was about to meet.
The women in this programme are truly inspiring. Many of them come from challenging backgrounds, but you wouldn’t know it from the innovative projects they presented. Each idea reflected a deep passion for the ocean, a commitment to protecting the environment, and a strong desire to improve their local communities. It was powerful to see how their connections to the environment and their communities were driving innovative solutions for sustainable ocean practices.
One woman, for example, started SOS Biotech, a company that turns invasive seaweed into sustainable products for everything from agriculture to cosmetics. Another woman founded Marulho 2025, a project that transforms discarded fishing nets into eco-friendly products like tote bags and keychains. They are tackling the issue of ghost fishing and creating jobs for 17 local fishermen and artisans. What stood out to me was that her goal wasn’t just about making money—it was about creating a legacy for her community.
For me personally, working with these women was a huge learning experience. Their resilience, creativity, and drive made me rethink how I approach challenges, both in my work and my everyday life. It’s a reminder of how much can be achieved when you combine limited resources with determination, passion and a clear sense of purpose.
The value of programmes like Women in Ocean Day goes beyond the individual participants. Women often bring fresh perspectives on sustainability and community development, and these are the areas that will shape the future of aquaculture. Supporting them means empowering a whole new generation of leaders who will push the industry forward with new, innovative ideas.
At ASC, we are incredibly proud to be the first supporters of this programme and to have renewed our commitment for another three years, and we look forward to continuing this journey alongside these incredible women.
Ultimately, these women are breaking barriers, creating sustainable business models, but they’re also proving that passion, innovation, and community-focused solutions are the future of aquaculture. They are the future of aquaculture, and their work is inspiring the changes we need to see in the aquaculture industry.