Three share the chair as WiSA leader Garzon steps down after four years

Dr Teresa Garzon, who has spent more than four years of chairing Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA), is passing the baton to Matilda Lomas, Rhianna Rees and Ingrid Kelling, who will take on the role of co-chairs.

WiSA said the leadership model of three co-chairs is a natural progression for the advisory group, given the women’s extensive experience at working collaboratively with their host organisation to ensure WiSA continues to deliver positive impact for the aquaculture sector.

Garzon is the newly appointed chief sustainability officer at SeaQure Farming Group, a company formed by Gael Force Group owner Stewart Graham to develop semi-closed fish farming pens.

She is also co-founder of award-winning start-up TinyFish, which seeks to find a commercial use for euthanised salmon smolts that are graded out before transfer to sea. Garzon will continue to be part of the WiSA advisory group, a decision that has been welcomed by WiSA’s host organisation Lantra. 

A time of growth

“I have loved chairing and working with WiSA for the past four years, it has been a time of growth, figuring things out as we went, and most importantly, building a strong and supportive community for women in Scottish aquaculture,” Garzon said on the WiSA website.

“All of this has been possible thanks a dedicated group within WiSA and the great backing of the industry.”

WiSA’s new co-chairs some from salmon farming, seaweed sector development, and academia.

Matilda Lomas, veterinary practice and cleaner fish manager at Bakkafrost Scotland, brings first-hand experience of both living and working in a remote community where aquaculture is one of the main employers. Outwith her work, she volunteers as a girl-guiding leader, empowering young women to step into leadership.

She said on the website that she is looking forward to raising the profile of WiSA as a safe, empowering space for women to succeed in.”

Inspiring network

Rhianna Rees is business development manager for the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association and joint Rising Star winner at the 2022 Aquaculture Awards.

“I am honoured to take on the co-chair position and cannot wait to work alongside this inspiring network to keep pushing for progress, support, and growth for women in aquaculture,” said Rees.

Dr Ingrid Kelling is director of the Fair Food Hub and assistant professor at the University of Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh. She leads research on alternative economic and financial models to drive policies that will lead to fair, inclusive, and sustainable economic development.

Kelling said she is passionate about driving equity and inclusion in the aquaculture sector.

“I am excited to collaborate with industry leaders, researchers, and policy makers to create a more diverse, innovative and resilient Scottish aquaculture sector.”