A new group that brings together women from across the fishing industry has been launched on a wave of support.

Women In Welsh Fisheries was initially established as a vehicle to enable women from within the fishing industry to meet, share experiences, and raise awareness of their work and lives .

The initiative is facilitated by the Wales Seafood Cluster, a Cywain-led project that encourages collaborative working among companies and individuals in the seafood industry.

Pembrokeshire exporter, Nerys Edwards of Syren Shellfish, said: “The perceived role of women in the fishing industry is of wives supporting their husbands when they come home, or paperwork.

"In our actual roles, we are lorry drivers, we’re exporters, we’re processors, we’re fishmongers, mechanics, we’re boat owners, we’re skippers.

“You know we can do whatever we like, and if we’re here to support each other, that becomes even more apparent."

She added: “I decided to become part of the group because when I started I was lorry driving and it was really lonely.

"There weren’t facilities, and there wasn’t anybody else like me driving across the continent with shellfish.

"To have somebody to chat to would have been really nice and a bit comforting on occasions.”

Fishmonger Jane Roche, of Catch of the Day in Cardigan, said: “To have a group such as Women in Welsh Fisheries is a really important step forward in actually ensuring that the women that are in the industry are supported.

"It's an opportunity to encourage more women to get involved in the industry to actually be aware of what’s in the industry that they can get involved in.”

The virtual launch was chaired by Welsh Food and Drink Board member Alison Lea-Wilson of Halen Môn.

Included in the event were presentations by Ashley Mullenger - who is also known as The Female Fisherman on social media - and Hannah Fennell, head of the Orkney Fisheries Association.

The event also included a video featuring three Welsh women who work in the industry and their thoughts and experiences.