Vice Chair & ACT Director
Claire van der Geest is a marine ecologist and development practitioner with more than 20 years experience in fisheries policy, management and research across the Australian and global seafood industry. Claire has undertaken the full gamete of roles within the fishing industry.
Currently Claire is the Principal of Seven Seas Consulting and providing expert advice and guidance on electronic monitoring to a number of clients, strategic policy advice on integrated fisheries management in the developing world, and leading gender diversity programs.
Historically, Claire has represented Australia’s interests and consulted for the industry led non-government organisation, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, at Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. She has also worked across the Asia-Pacific region to inform evidence based tuna fisheries policy. Claire has also represented industry interests at association and State levels.
Domestically, I worked for OceanWatch Australia and for industry representative organisations in South Australia. In these roles I provided advice and guidance to industry on issues ranging from work health and safety, legislation environmental best practice and export market development.
I strongly support evidence-based policy and management decisions for the sustainable future of the fishing industry and supply of nutritious seafood to consumers. Being a part of Australia’s fishing and seafood industry can be challenging but is also extremely rewarding and inspiring.
I have been involved in WISA since I moved to Adelaide and was privileged to work alongside WISA greats such as June Gill, Gloria Jones and Charmaine Wait. I am very pleased to be the ACT Director for WISA and look forward to working with WISA and WISA partners to continue to progress equality and equity across the seafood sector.