Jodie Kuntzsch has spent over 20 years in the seafood industry, with much of her earlier focus on non-product attributes critical to the industry's integrity, such as traceability, sustainability, social accountability, and climate impacts on seafood production.
This work has taken her worldwide, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to identify value and ensure that it is transferred through supply chains.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with companies that were leading the way in sustainable practices. This exposure profoundly shaped my perspective on the ocean’s potential and our role as stewards of this resource,” said Kuntzsch, CEO of Moananui.
“Interestingly, I originally came to New Zealand for a three-month stint as a backpacker. I never planned to stay, but I applied for a job on a whim, and it happened to be in aquaculture. That’s how my journey in this space began, and I quickly became passionate about the people and the potential within the industry.”
She added that over the years, the industry has changed a lot and highlighted a significant shift: the transition from an extractive, industrial economy to a blue economy, which prioritises sustainability and long-term ocean health. This has also created more space for women to step into leadership roles and contribute from multiple perspectives.
Kuntzsch has been fortunate to work alongside some incredibly influential female leaders on a global scale who have mentored and inspired her. The growth of international networks of women in seafood has been another crucial change.
“I remember attending my first global seafood conference and joining a women’s session. One of the jokes was that success would be when there’s finally a line for the women’s restroom at these events because it meant we were no longer the minority.”
Social media has also played a role in raising the profile of women in aquaculture, particularly in community-based and developing-world initiatives.
The corporate sector has been catching up, and more support systems for women in leadership have emerged. Changes in ocean development funding, particularly impact investment and research initiatives, have created more opportunities for women to lead.
Looking forward, Kuntzsch’s primary focus will be on increasing the visibility, understanding, and accessibility of the blue economy, particularly for the next generation, for women, and for future entrepreneurs and problem-solvers.
“The ocean connects us all, and the more we collaborate globally, the faster we can address pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. I’m excited about fostering these connections and empowering more people to take part in shaping the future of our oceans.”
