Next Generation Seafood Alliance launched to empower young professionals
An alliance aimed at uniting and empowering the next generation of professionals within the seafood industry has been officially launched under the name Next Generation Seafood Alliance (NGSA). The initiative was introduced at the YoungFish Conference held in Bergen, Norway, under the auspices of the International Salmon Farmers Association (ISFA), which supported the collaboration between Young Salmon Farmers of British Columbia (BC), the Young Aquaculture Society, and YoungFish.
The formation of the NGSA marks the culmination of efforts to support regional seafood networks while providing young professionals worldwide with a platform to connect and collaborate. The organisation's inaugural phase will focus on enabling these professionals to gain insights from one another and from established experts within the sector. "We are looking to find more young professionals all over the globe who are shaping the future of the seafood sector," representatives stated.
The initiative reflects ISFA's commitment to the youth in the aquaculture field. Jon Arne Grøttum, President of ISFA, articulated that the organisation has been observing the dynamics of young professional networks in various regions for some time. "We wanted to explore ways to support these efforts on a global scale, so we invited the three networks to join forces and develop a collaborative plan that ISFA could support," he noted. The formal agreement to establish the NGSA was signed on 1 December 2024, following six months of discussions.
Janicke Eckhoff, President of NGSA, emphasised the mission of the alliance, stating, “Our mission is to empower younger generations by fostering enthusiasm, innovation, and visibility for our industry. We aim to cement seafood production as a key driver of future food systems and its role in the greater blue economy.” The NGSA seeks to encourage responsible seafood practices, support coastal communities, and foster innovation within the sector.
Recognising the importance of collaboration, Eckhoff added, “By connecting across borders and supply chain segments, and by harnessing our deep-rooted passion for the industry, we believe we can inspire new ways of thinking and fresh conversations while supporting responsible seafood production and coastal communities.”
The alliance also positions itself as a platform for young professionals to share their experiences and insights into the seafood industry. Michelle Franze, co-founder and co-director of Young Salmon Farmers of BC, highlighted the crucial role young people play in the sector, asserting, “Young people are untapped ambassadors for the seafood sector and can tell the story of seafood in an authentic way because it is their everyday work.” Franze underscored the importance of giving voice to motivated young professionals who share common values concerning the potential of the seafood industry.
The NGSA aims to cultivate a network that drives positive change across the global seafood sector by advocating for innovative practices and responsible production. The collaborative effort signals a significant step in ensuring the interests and ambitions of young professionals are represented and addressed within the industry.