Risha Alleyne’s journey from Trinidad and Tobago to becoming a leader in Caribbean aquaculture is driven by her vision for sustainable food security and her commitment to empowering communities through innovation and education.
Risha Alleyne (in light blue) at a GAP practical training of aquaponics and aquaculture farmers (image credit: Naylan Dwarika)
Risha Alleyne’s journey into aquaculture began with a simple yet profound goal: to help address food security in the Caribbean. Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, with roots in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados, Risha envisioned creating an aquaponics business that would provide fresh, safe food and empower communities through job creation and education.
Her path took a fortunate turn in 2017 when she was awarded a full Erasmus Mundus scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in Aquaculture, Environment, and Society. This experience broadened her perspective, connected her with global experts, and deepened her commitment to sustainable aquaculture. She later coordinated a resilient aquaculture project with the FAO of the UN across four Caribbean countries, supplying essential resources and training to local farmers and schools.
Now, Risha serves as an Advisor for Women in Caribbean Aquaculture (WiCA) and a Director for the Caribbean Aquaproducers' Association. Despite the challenges, including limited job opportunities in the region, she continues to advocate for growth and sustainability in aquaculture.
As the Travel Coordinator for WiCA, Risha has been organising travel arrangements for approximately seven Caribbean researchers to present at LACQUA 2024 this month in Medellin. Risha has been working with Juli-Anne Russo, founder of WiCA to ensure that the Caribbean has a strong presence at this conference. Obtaining sponsorship for presenters was a challenge especially after Hurricane Beryl, and Risha hopes that organisations will come on board for future events to sponsor WiCA in attending such conferences. Caribbean aquaculture is relatively new but has great potential, and thus, there are lots of opportunities for investment and capacity building.
Her advice to others? "Never stop learning. Keep expanding your skills, adapt to changes and network."
Risha during her MSc Erasmus scholarship participating in seaweed reaserch in Scotland
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At BioMar, we believe that equality is crucial to change the world. That is why we are proud to announce our participation in the Lead the Future campaign, led by Above & Beyond. This initiative aims to close the gender gap in STEM by empowering young women to pursue careers and leadership roles in these fields.
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Helen Hamilton, Global Sustainability Manager at BioMar Group, is one of our North American women who has made significant contributions to the aquaculture industry
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At BioMar, we are honoured to work with a group of brilliant and dedicated North American women driving aquaculture development.
BioMar is proud to support women who are passionate about aquaculture and marine science. In 2023, we announced our sponsorship of Women in Caribbean Aquaculture (WiCA), a network of female professionals and students dedicated to advancing the aquaculture industry in the region.
Monica Juarez Ceballos, R&D Senior Scientist at BioMar, is one of our North American women that helps advance the aquaculture industry. Originally from Mexico City, Monica has spent the past 16 years living in Norway, where she has integrated herself in the Nordic country without loosing any of her Mexican side.