SARAH HOLMYARD, HEAD OF SALES AND MARKETING AT OFFSHORE SHELLFISH LTD

Sarah Holmyard. Head of Sales and Marketing at Offshore Shellfish Ltd, Board of Directors at UK Women in Fisheries and Board Member at Seafish.

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.

I have always felt a deep sense of pride in being part of the seafood industry. The dynamic nature of the industry and its potential for positive, sustainable impact have been a constant source of motivation throughout my career. While I work in a male-dominated field, I’ve never let that deter me. In fact, it has only fuelled my passion to prove that anyone, regardless of gender, can contribute meaningfully to the industry’s growth. I’ve always believed that the diversity of thought and experience is essential to moving things forward, and I’m proud to be part of a growing movement advocating for sustainability and positive change.

Starting my working life selling smoked salmon, teaching fly fishing, and taking people sea fishing, whilst growing up on a working mussel farm, certainly gave me a solid grounding in the industry. These early experiences connected me to the water and the seafood sector in a way that’s both practical and personal. They taught me the importance of understanding the full cycle of seafood production—from catching and growing to the final consumer. Along the way, I also had a few stints in fish factories, where I gained insight into the critical role of processing in the supply chain.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work across various sectors of the seafood industry, covering both wild-caught species and farmed seafood. My time at Seafood Scotland was especially formative, allowing me to shape policy and drive projects that supported sustainability in the sector. I also spent time working with two of the major players in the yellowtail farming world, in Australia and the Netherlands, gaining invaluable experience in aquaculture and global seafood markets. These roles have allowed me to develop a deep, holistic understanding of the industry from every angle.

I am also actively involved in staying connected to the broader seafood industry through various roles. As a Liveryman of the Fishmongers’ Company, I am part of a long-standing institution that brings together people from all corners of the seafood community. This role allows me to engage with industry professionals and support initiatives that promote sustainability and innovation in seafood. Additionally, my work as a Director on the boards of Seafish and UK Women in Fisheries provides valuable opportunities to stay in touch with industry trends and developments. These roles also allow me to give back by supporting efforts to encourage greater diversity and create more opportunities for women in the seafood industry. I am passionate about helping others discover the many rewarding careers within this space, and I continue to work toward creating a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.

I continue to develop my skills and expand my networks, knowing that staying connected is key to my growth. Conferences and trade shows have proven to be invaluable avenues for networking, where I can exchange ideas, learn from others, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Whether it’s in boat work, office roles, marketing, lobbying, or advocacy, I am passionate about encouraging others to explore the many diverse roles available in the industry—especially women, who may not initially see the possibilities before them.

Over the years, I’ve seen significant strides in sustainability practices within the industry. From increased focus on responsible sourcing to innovations in aquaculture techniques, there is a strong commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of seafood production. However, as with any growing sector, there are still challenges ahead, such as ensuring that these sustainable practices are scaled globally and that the supply chain is both resilient and transparent.

As a woman in aquaculture, I’m proud to be able to inspire other women and girls to consider careers in this space. By advocating for gender equality and actively mentoring others, I’ve been able to show that women’s contributions are valuable and needed across all levels of the industry. In my career, one of my proudest achievements is being a role model for future generations and helping to shape a more inclusive, sustainable industry.