The seafood industry has long been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy but, for many young people, breaking into it and finding like-minded peers can be challenging. That’s where Young Fish can help.
Founded in 2022 by young aquaculture professionals Ben Pierce and Maegen Blom, Young Fish connects young people across the seafood industry – from fishing and marine farming to processing, marketing and marine science. The group also aims to inspire the next wave of young people to consider careers in seafood. Co-founder Ben Pierce and Auckland Young Fish member Tommy Glass share their stories with Seafood New Zealand’s Sarah Wright.
Young Fish Co-founder – Ben Pierce
Aside from a stint working in a fish and chip ship on the Sunshine Coast, Ben wasn’t exposed to the seafood industry until a university friend suggested he spend a summer with him working on mussel boats in Marlborough. Ben decided to give it a go – and was instantly hooked.
“I loved the work and the lifestyle,” he recalls. “At the end of that summer, I was tempted to stay in Havelock, but I went back to uni and changed my degree from sport and recreation to a bachelor of commerce to make it more versatile.”
After graduating, Ben returned to Marlborough. “Life on the water was pretty cool,” he says. “I got used to having four days on, four days off. I was under a great skipper and crew, who I still look up to as mentors, making it a really positive experience.”
By 22, Ben amassed some impressive achievements: leading a health and safety audit at Sanford, completing a postgraduate diploma in sustainable aquaculture, earning his skipper’s ticket and co-founding Young Fish.
When asked about his motivations for creating Young Fish, Ben reflects, “I was talking with a couple of friends about how it can be isolating for young people in the seafood industry and the importance of support networks. You see it in the agriculture industry, in areas with a strong Young Farmers club, there seem to be happier young people on the farms.
“Also, during university, I never once heard about seafood careers – it was pure chance that I found my way into it. We set up Young Fish to help others settle in, build networks, and promote career opportunities.”
Young Fish – Tommy Glass
Armed with a commerce degree, Tommy moved to Auckland and took a job as a fishmonger at Sanford & Son’s shop. “I thought it was a good way to get experience handling fish, learning about different seafood, and understanding the customer base,” he explains.
Seeing the need for a dedicated network for young people, Tommy reached out to Ben to get involved and has since been an integral part of the Young Fish team.
Tommy is keen for young people to feel supported in their careers. “It can feel isolating when you don’t necessarily see where that next step upwards is going to be – I think there is an opportunity to capitalise on the optimism of young people, to show them future pathways and foster talent. I think this is pretty crucial for our industry.”
Quickfire Q&A with Ben and Tommy
What advice do you have for young people thinking about a career in the seafood industry?
Ben: Why are you thinking about it? Just do it already!
Tommy: Get stuck in and learn as much as you can, talk to as many different people in as many areas as possible. If you’re in aquaculture, talk to inshore or deepwater. If you’re based down in Bluff, talk to people up in Auckland. Expand your networks.
What advice do you have for employers of young people?
Ben: If they are a good worker, do what you can to keep them! And tell them to join Young Fish – so we can help you keep them, too.
Tommy: Give young people the ability to have conversations with a wide variety of people, don’t isolate them to just one area. Share the knowledge that you’ve learned in the industry – be someone who supports young people to step up.
What’s your favourite seafood?
Ben: Raw mussels, straight off the harvesting shoot.
Tommy: New Zealand green-lipped mussels in white wine sauce.
Keen to get involved?
Whether you’re a young fish, a middle-aged fish or an old fish, there are many ways to get involved and help support the young people in the seafood industry. You could host a networking event in your community, encourage your young employees to join Young Fish, or come along to a careers event to inspire more “young fish” to join the industry. To learn more, get involved, or join our mailing list email: [email protected].
