With the support of BioMar, Women in Caribbean Aquaculture (WiCA), and the extended organisation of the Caribbean Aquaculture Network (CAN), the brainchild of Juli-Anne Russo is off to a great start.
“There is so much potential in the Caribbean for sustainable aquaculture, and as one united industry, driven by strong women and others from this region, I believe there is nothing we can’t achieve together.” Juli-Anne Russo, Founder of WiCA and the Caribbean Aquaculture Network.
The Caribbean aquaculture industry, although relatively underdeveloped, is ideally situated next to one of the biggest seafood markets in the world—North America. The tropical waters of the region can support a large variety of blue foods; however, to grow the region, knowledge and infrastructure are required.
Besides providing initial establishment funds to get WiCA and CAN up and running, BioMar is promoting the organisation and its members, including sponsoring their attendance at various international aquaculture events. We are also providing internal expertise through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
These amazing and talented women from the Caribbean are driven by a deep passion for the marine environment, improving their countries and giving back to their communities. At BioMar, we intend to support them on their vital journey.
“I believe there is nothing we can’t achieve together”
- Juli-Anne Russo
Advanced education in the Caribbean region, especially for women, is a challenge. Many women seeking to become marine scientists leave for education opportunities in North America and Europe. These women are now scattered around the world but still hold a desire to bring their knowledge home to help make this area a blue foods powerhouse.
Juli-Anne Russo formed WiCA in hopes of uniting these amazing women to help bring about positive change in their homelands.