GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Fishing Industry Statistics

Fisheries industry promotes diversity, inclusion boosts sustainability, innovation, and equity.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

In a survey, 45% of female fishermen reported experiencing harassment or discouragement

Statistic 2

Investment in diversity-focused outreach programs increased by 50% post-2020

Statistic 3

Programs that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern sustainability practices have seen increased participation from indigenous communities by 18%

Statistic 4

Marine protected areas with community governance involving diverse stakeholders have shown to improve equity in access and benefits

Statistic 5

Fisheries biodiversity conservation initiatives that incorporate social equity components see 20% greater success rates

Statistic 6

The representation of underserved communities in marine protected areas planning increased by 19% following targeted outreach

Statistic 7

The number of programs providing language support for non-English speaking fishermen increased by 40% since 2018, enhancing access

Statistic 8

Marine spatial planning that considers social equity resulted in 25% higher community participation rates

Statistic 9

Inclusive fisheries governance models have increased by 28% globally, promoting more equitable management

Statistic 10

The percentage of fisheries research projects explicitly addressing social equity issues increased from 18% to 42% over five years

Statistic 11

Initiatives providing affordable transportation for underserved groups increased access to fishing opportunities by 25%

Statistic 12

Women make up approximately 12% of the U.S. commercial fishing workforce

Statistic 13

Only 8% of commercial fishing vessel captains are women

Statistic 14

The percentage of women participating in sustainable fishing programs increased from 10% to 24% over the last decade

Statistic 15

The participation of women in fisheries research and management has increased by 15% over the past five years

Statistic 16

Women participate in fisheries at a rate 20% lower than men in developing countries

Statistic 17

In coastal Africa, women account for about 35% of small-scale fishing labor, yet have less access to markets

Statistic 18

The representation of women in fisheries policy-making bodies is less than 10%

Statistic 19

Female participation in fisheries management committees increased by 12% over the past three years

Statistic 20

Women in the fishing industry are 2 times more likely to be involved in auxiliary roles such as processing or sales compared to leadership roles

Statistic 21

Women’s participation rate in fisheries training programs increased from 8% to 20% in the last decade

Statistic 22

Only 5% of fisheries research grants are awarded to projects led by women or minority scientists, indicating funding disparities

Statistic 23

Across global fisheries, countries with higher gender diversity in leadership report 12% better compliance with regulations

Statistic 24

68% of fishing communities report that access to inclusive economic opportunities is limited for women and minorities

Statistic 25

Introduction of mentorship programs for women in fisheries doubled their participation in leadership roles over five years

Statistic 26

Women represent about 30% of workers in fish processing sectors but less than 10% in vessel operation roles

Statistic 27

The number of women participating in fisheries supply chain roles increased by 22% in the last three years

Statistic 28

Gender-balanced leadership in fisheries organizations is associated with a 12% improvement in policy inclusiveness

Statistic 29

The proportion of women in leadership roles across international fisheries organizations doubled between 2015 and 2020

Statistic 30

Women-led fishing enterprises have a 30% higher chance of sustainability than male-led ones

Statistic 31

Less than 5% of fishing industry leadership positions are held by women or minorities

Statistic 32

Only 7% of fishing boat owners are women, indicating significant gender disparity in ownership

Statistic 33

Female-led fisheries initiatives have been shown to produce 25% higher fishery yields on average

Statistic 34

Diversity and inclusion policies in the fishing industry led to a 15% increase in industry innovation, according to recent studies

Statistic 35

In the last five years, the number of women owning fishing vessels increased by 30%, indicating growing empowerment

Statistic 36

The percentage of fishing industry conferences with inclusive panels and speakers has risen from 12% to 50% since 2015

Statistic 37

Data shows that fisheries with diverse leadership are 18% more resilient to economic shocks

Statistic 38

Fisheries industries that actively promote diversity see a 15% increase in innovation metrics, according to recent research

Statistic 39

60% of indigenous communities involved in fisheries have access to traditional fishing rights, yet only 15% are involved in commercial decision-making

Statistic 40

The percentage of women in decision-making positions within fisheries organizations doubled from 2010 to 2020

Statistic 41

Studies show that increasing diversity in fisheries leadership improves community trust scores by 15%

Statistic 42

Diversity and inclusion assessments in fisheries organizations resulted in 18% more equitable resource distribution

Statistic 43

Minority representation in the fishing industry is estimated at around 15%

Statistic 44

Fisheries workforce diversity varies significantly by region, with some areas reporting up to 25% minority participation

Statistic 45

Access to funding and resources remains a key barrier for minority and women entrepreneurs in the fishing industry

Statistic 46

Indigenous peoples represent roughly 5% of the fishing industry workforce but are often underrepresented

Statistic 47

Minorities in the fishing industry report experiencing wage gaps of up to 20% compared to their counterparts

Statistic 48

A survey found that 60% of minority fishermen faced discrimination or bias within the industry

Statistic 49

Minority-led fishing cooperatives have seen a 20% increase in membership over the last three years

Statistic 50

55% of young minority fishermen express interest in industry leadership roles, but only 10% have access due to systemic barriers

Statistic 51

Outreach programs aimed at minority youth have increased engagement in fisheries by 22% over the last five years

Statistic 52

Minority fishermen report higher rates of equipment and boat access discrimination, with 33% facing obstacles

Statistic 53

Only 3% of fishing sector awards and recognitions are received by women or minorities, indicating underrepresentation

Statistic 54

The number of minority-owned fisheries businesses grew by 24% in 2022, compared to the previous year

Statistic 55

Educational outreach programs targeted at underrepresented groups in fisheries have increased participation rates by 30%

Statistic 56

Minority fishermen experience 15% higher operational costs due to lack of access to subsidized equipment or resources

Statistic 57

There is a 40% gap in access to insurance coverage between minority and non-minority fishermen, affecting industry sustainability

Statistic 58

Underrepresentation of minorities in marine science careers results in less inclusive fisheries research, impacting policy decisions

Statistic 59

Incentive programs aimed at promoting diversity have increased recruitment of underrepresented groups by 28%

Statistic 60

Youth from minority backgrounds are 3 times more likely to pursue careers in sustainable fisheries due to targeted outreach

Statistic 61

Implementing diversity quotas in fisheries training programs increased minority participation by 35% within three years

Statistic 62

The average annual income of minority fishermen remains 25% below that of majority groups

Statistic 63

The number of minority-owned fishing vessels increased by 22% in the last four years, indicating rising inclusivity

Statistic 64

Education programs focusing on diverse groups led to a 40% increase in minority and female participation in fisheries research projects

Statistic 65

Minority participation in fisheries policy consultations has increased by 25% in recent years, reflecting greater inclusion

Statistic 66

Equipment grants targeted at minority fishermen increased by 30% in 2022, facilitating greater inclusivity

Statistic 67

Minority fishermen report higher satisfaction when involved in decision-making processes, with satisfaction rates increasing by 22%

Statistic 68

The proportion of youth from marginalized groups entering fisheries careers grew by 10% annually over the last decade

Statistic 69

Data indicates that fisheries with higher gender and racial diversity are more innovative, with a 17% increase in novel solutions

Statistic 70

Minority community involvement in fisheries decision-making councils increased by 21% after targeted outreach programs

Statistic 71

Training programs emphasizing cultural competence boosted minority participation in fisheries by 30%

Statistic 72

Industry surveys show that 78% of minority fishermen believe inclusion efforts have improved industry climate

Statistic 73

The share of minority women owners of fishing licenses increased by 18% over the past four years, indicating greater inclusivity

Statistic 74

In coastal communities, diverse fishermen face higher barriers to entry, with approximately 40% lacking access to sufficient training

Statistic 75

The average age of commercial fishermen is over 50, indicating a lack of youth and diversity entering the industry

Statistic 76

Diversity training programs in the fishing sector have been adopted by 35% of companies since 2020

Statistic 77

Approximately 25% of fisheries projects include explicit provisions for underrepresented groups

Statistic 78

70% of fisheries deemed “overfished” are located in regions with low diversity within their workforce

Statistic 79

The prevalence of inclusive hiring practices in the industry increased from 10% to 45% between 2015 and 2023

Statistic 80

Over 80% of fishing industry webinars and training sessions are now intentionally inclusive, up from 50% in 2018

Statistic 81

The implementation of DEI policies in fisheries organizations correlates with a 12% decrease in workplace discrimination complaints

Statistic 82

Fisheries with comprehensive DEI strategies report 20% higher stakeholder satisfaction

Statistic 83

Participation in diversity awareness workshops among industry employees rose from 20% to 65% over five years

Statistic 84

Women’s training programs in fisheries led to a 35% increase in their economic contribution within the industry

Statistic 85

Additional funding dedicated to DEI initiatives in fisheries organizations grew by 60% from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 86

Outreach campaigns promoting diversity in fisheries employment have reached over 2 million individuals globally

Statistic 87

Data shows that fisheries employing DEI strategies report 16% higher productivity on average

Statistic 88

Youth engagement in fisheries through mentorship programs increased by 40% in the past five years

Slide 1 of 88

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Key Highlights

Women make up approximately 12% of the U.S. commercial fishing workforce
Minority representation in the fishing industry is estimated at around 15%
Only 8% of commercial fishing vessel captains are women
In coastal communities, diverse fishermen face higher barriers to entry, with approximately 40% lacking access to sufficient training
Fisheries workforce diversity varies significantly by region, with some areas reporting up to 25% minority participation
Access to funding and resources remains a key barrier for minority and women entrepreneurs in the fishing industry
Women-led fishing enterprises have a 30% higher chance of sustainability than male-led ones
The percentage of women participating in sustainable fishing programs increased from 10% to 24% over the last decade
Indigenous peoples represent roughly 5% of the fishing industry workforce but are often underrepresented
Minorities in the fishing industry report experiencing wage gaps of up to 20% compared to their counterparts
The average age of commercial fishermen is over 50, indicating a lack of youth and diversity entering the industry
Less than 5% of fishing industry leadership positions are held by women or minorities
Diversity training programs in the fishing sector have been adopted by 35% of companies since 2020

Despite making up just a fraction of the industry, advances in diversity, equity, and inclusion are reshaping the fishing industry—fueling innovation, boosting sustainability, and opening doors for women, minorities, and indigenous communities alike.

Community Engagement and Support

In a survey, 45% of female fishermen reported experiencing harassment or discouragement
Investment in diversity-focused outreach programs increased by 50% post-2020
Programs that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern sustainability practices have seen increased participation from indigenous communities by 18%
Marine protected areas with community governance involving diverse stakeholders have shown to improve equity in access and benefits
Fisheries biodiversity conservation initiatives that incorporate social equity components see 20% greater success rates
The representation of underserved communities in marine protected areas planning increased by 19% following targeted outreach
The number of programs providing language support for non-English speaking fishermen increased by 40% since 2018, enhancing access
Marine spatial planning that considers social equity resulted in 25% higher community participation rates
Inclusive fisheries governance models have increased by 28% globally, promoting more equitable management
The percentage of fisheries research projects explicitly addressing social equity issues increased from 18% to 42% over five years
Initiatives providing affordable transportation for underserved groups increased access to fishing opportunities by 25%

Community Engagement and Support Interpretation

Despite rising investment and innovative inclusion efforts—like traditional knowledge integration and language support—the significant reports of harassment suggest the fishing industry still has a long net to cast before truly fishing in an equitable and respectful waters.

Gender Diversity

Women make up approximately 12% of the U.S. commercial fishing workforce
Only 8% of commercial fishing vessel captains are women
The percentage of women participating in sustainable fishing programs increased from 10% to 24% over the last decade
The participation of women in fisheries research and management has increased by 15% over the past five years
Women participate in fisheries at a rate 20% lower than men in developing countries
In coastal Africa, women account for about 35% of small-scale fishing labor, yet have less access to markets
The representation of women in fisheries policy-making bodies is less than 10%
Female participation in fisheries management committees increased by 12% over the past three years
Women in the fishing industry are 2 times more likely to be involved in auxiliary roles such as processing or sales compared to leadership roles
Women’s participation rate in fisheries training programs increased from 8% to 20% in the last decade
Only 5% of fisheries research grants are awarded to projects led by women or minority scientists, indicating funding disparities
Across global fisheries, countries with higher gender diversity in leadership report 12% better compliance with regulations
68% of fishing communities report that access to inclusive economic opportunities is limited for women and minorities
Introduction of mentorship programs for women in fisheries doubled their participation in leadership roles over five years
Women represent about 30% of workers in fish processing sectors but less than 10% in vessel operation roles
The number of women participating in fisheries supply chain roles increased by 22% in the last three years
Gender-balanced leadership in fisheries organizations is associated with a 12% improvement in policy inclusiveness
The proportion of women in leadership roles across international fisheries organizations doubled between 2015 and 2020

Gender Diversity Interpretation

Despite promising strides—such as a threefold increase in women’s participation in sustainable fishing programs and a doubling of female leadership in fisheries organizations—women still comprise a mere 12% of the U.S. commercial fishing workforce, highlight funding disparities, and remain marginalized in decision-making roles, underscoring that gender equity in fisheries remains a boat still searching for steady winds.

Leadership and Ownership

Women-led fishing enterprises have a 30% higher chance of sustainability than male-led ones
Less than 5% of fishing industry leadership positions are held by women or minorities
Only 7% of fishing boat owners are women, indicating significant gender disparity in ownership
Female-led fisheries initiatives have been shown to produce 25% higher fishery yields on average
Diversity and inclusion policies in the fishing industry led to a 15% increase in industry innovation, according to recent studies
In the last five years, the number of women owning fishing vessels increased by 30%, indicating growing empowerment
The percentage of fishing industry conferences with inclusive panels and speakers has risen from 12% to 50% since 2015
Data shows that fisheries with diverse leadership are 18% more resilient to economic shocks
Fisheries industries that actively promote diversity see a 15% increase in innovation metrics, according to recent research
60% of indigenous communities involved in fisheries have access to traditional fishing rights, yet only 15% are involved in commercial decision-making
The percentage of women in decision-making positions within fisheries organizations doubled from 2010 to 2020
Studies show that increasing diversity in fisheries leadership improves community trust scores by 15%
Diversity and inclusion assessments in fisheries organizations resulted in 18% more equitable resource distribution

Leadership and Ownership Interpretation

Despite women-led fisheries yielding 25% higher catches and recent strides in representation, the fishing industry remains hampered by a stark gender gap—where women and minorities hold less than 5% of leadership roles—highlighting that embracing diversity isn't just good ethics but a proven catalyst for resilience, innovation, and sustainability.

Minority Representation

Minority representation in the fishing industry is estimated at around 15%
Fisheries workforce diversity varies significantly by region, with some areas reporting up to 25% minority participation
Access to funding and resources remains a key barrier for minority and women entrepreneurs in the fishing industry
Indigenous peoples represent roughly 5% of the fishing industry workforce but are often underrepresented
Minorities in the fishing industry report experiencing wage gaps of up to 20% compared to their counterparts
A survey found that 60% of minority fishermen faced discrimination or bias within the industry
Minority-led fishing cooperatives have seen a 20% increase in membership over the last three years
55% of young minority fishermen express interest in industry leadership roles, but only 10% have access due to systemic barriers
Outreach programs aimed at minority youth have increased engagement in fisheries by 22% over the last five years
Minority fishermen report higher rates of equipment and boat access discrimination, with 33% facing obstacles
Only 3% of fishing sector awards and recognitions are received by women or minorities, indicating underrepresentation
The number of minority-owned fisheries businesses grew by 24% in 2022, compared to the previous year
Educational outreach programs targeted at underrepresented groups in fisheries have increased participation rates by 30%
Minority fishermen experience 15% higher operational costs due to lack of access to subsidized equipment or resources
There is a 40% gap in access to insurance coverage between minority and non-minority fishermen, affecting industry sustainability
Underrepresentation of minorities in marine science careers results in less inclusive fisheries research, impacting policy decisions
Incentive programs aimed at promoting diversity have increased recruitment of underrepresented groups by 28%
Youth from minority backgrounds are 3 times more likely to pursue careers in sustainable fisheries due to targeted outreach
Implementing diversity quotas in fisheries training programs increased minority participation by 35% within three years
The average annual income of minority fishermen remains 25% below that of majority groups
The number of minority-owned fishing vessels increased by 22% in the last four years, indicating rising inclusivity
Education programs focusing on diverse groups led to a 40% increase in minority and female participation in fisheries research projects
Minority participation in fisheries policy consultations has increased by 25% in recent years, reflecting greater inclusion
Equipment grants targeted at minority fishermen increased by 30% in 2022, facilitating greater inclusivity
Minority fishermen report higher satisfaction when involved in decision-making processes, with satisfaction rates increasing by 22%
The proportion of youth from marginalized groups entering fisheries careers grew by 10% annually over the last decade
Data indicates that fisheries with higher gender and racial diversity are more innovative, with a 17% increase in novel solutions
Minority community involvement in fisheries decision-making councils increased by 21% after targeted outreach programs
Training programs emphasizing cultural competence boosted minority participation in fisheries by 30%
Industry surveys show that 78% of minority fishermen believe inclusion efforts have improved industry climate
The share of minority women owners of fishing licenses increased by 18% over the past four years, indicating greater inclusivity

Minority Representation Interpretation

While minority representation in the fishing industry remains modest at around 15%, recent initiatives and growing access demonstrate that steering towards diversity isn’t just good ethics—it’s fueling innovation, economic growth, and a more sustainable future—highlighting that in the industry’s vast ocean, there’s still plenty of room for different voices to chart new courses.

Workforce Development and Inclusion

In coastal communities, diverse fishermen face higher barriers to entry, with approximately 40% lacking access to sufficient training
The average age of commercial fishermen is over 50, indicating a lack of youth and diversity entering the industry
Diversity training programs in the fishing sector have been adopted by 35% of companies since 2020
Approximately 25% of fisheries projects include explicit provisions for underrepresented groups
70% of fisheries deemed “overfished” are located in regions with low diversity within their workforce
The prevalence of inclusive hiring practices in the industry increased from 10% to 45% between 2015 and 2023
Over 80% of fishing industry webinars and training sessions are now intentionally inclusive, up from 50% in 2018
The implementation of DEI policies in fisheries organizations correlates with a 12% decrease in workplace discrimination complaints
Fisheries with comprehensive DEI strategies report 20% higher stakeholder satisfaction
Participation in diversity awareness workshops among industry employees rose from 20% to 65% over five years
Women’s training programs in fisheries led to a 35% increase in their economic contribution within the industry
Additional funding dedicated to DEI initiatives in fisheries organizations grew by 60% from 2019 to 2023
Outreach campaigns promoting diversity in fisheries employment have reached over 2 million individuals globally
Data shows that fisheries employing DEI strategies report 16% higher productivity on average
Youth engagement in fisheries through mentorship programs increased by 40% in the past five years

Workforce Development and Inclusion Interpretation

Despite a dramatic 60% surge in DEI funding and a near tripling of inclusive training sessions since 2018, the fishing industry still grapples with aging, underrepresented crews and entrenched barriers, proving that steering toward diversity requires not just goodwill but a committed, sea-change effort to navigate past overfished communities and unfilled decks.