NAVIGATING THE TIDES OF CHANGE IN THE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY, JULIE WAITES

Navigating the Tides of Change in the Seafood Industry. Julie Waites, Seafood Industry Specialist, Director UK Women in Fisheries.

Welcome to Fish Focus spotlight on Women in Seafood, Issue 2. Follow us as we celebrate the amazing women at the forefront of the seafood industry.

Julie Waites is an important figure in the UK seafood industry—an accomplished professional whose career spans more than two decades, marked by innovation, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the sustainability and promotion of seafood both domestically and internationally.

In a traditionally male-dominated field, Julie has carved out a space not only for herself but for other women through her advocacy and mentorship.

Her journey began with a strong academic foundation in Food Science from the University of Lincoln, followed by early roles in food development and sales at MARR Foods and Unilever.

These roles grounded her in the commercial and technical aspects of food supply chains, giving her a robust understanding of the product lifecycle— from development to delivery. But it was her long-standing work with Seafish, where she spent over 14 years, that truly established her as a key voice in UK seafood. As Account Manager and later Regional Manager, Julie played a central role in major industry initiatives such as the Humber Seafood Summit and the Whitby Fish & Ships Festival, helping to showcase the heritage, sustainability, and global reach of British seafood. She also made public appearances and gave interviews that demonstrated her natural talent for communication and industry storytelling.

Julie’s leadership extends far beyond event coordination. As Executive Director of the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA), she has been a champion for the frozen-at-sea sector, advocating for its vital role in quality seafood supply and supporting the UK’s beloved fish and chip industry. Her voice has been instrumental in protecting the reputation of frozen-at-sea fillets sourced from the North Atlantic—a sector where science, tradition and marketing converge.

Recognising the need for representation and empowerment in the sector, Julie took on the role of Director at UK Women in Fisheries. Through this platform, she works to ensure that women in the industry—whether at sea, on shore, or in management—have the visibility, voice and networks they deserve. Her leadership is helping to shape a more inclusive future for the
seafood workforce.

Julie has also brought her expertise to the Department for Business and Trade, supporting the UK’s seafood export strategy. Her work has connected businesses with international markets,
organising trade missions and leading UK delegations to seafood expos around the globe—from North America to Southeast Asia. Her ability to bridge government, industry and international
stakeholders has made her a trusted figure in trade development.

Through her company, JW Freelance Business Support & Project Management Services, she continues to offer strategic and operational support to a variety of seafood associations and businesses, providing flexible expertise without the overheads of permanent staff.

Whether delivering projects for the Shellfish Association of Great Britain or assisting the newly formed UK Seafood Federation, her focus is always on collaboration, innovation and impact.

On top of her professional roles, Julie spends time show jumping her horses, having various sailing adventures: as a crew member on the Great Britain boat, racing across the Atlantic as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race; sailing across the Barents Sea in the Arctic as part of a team of five, undertaking various marine research projects, a role that mirrors her approach to the seafood industry – steady under pressure, driven by purpose and grounded in trust.

Julie Waites continues to inspire through her ability to connect people, elevate standards and represent the seafood sector with intelligence and heart. Her career serves as a blueprint for how one individual can shape an industry – not just through knowledge, but through leadership, inclusivity and a relentless drive to make a difference.