Jeni Adamson has emerged as a visible connector for Scotland’s seafood sector, translating technical knowledge and hands-on experience into initiatives designed to strengthen the industry’s future. As Industry Engagement Manager at Seafood Scotland, she moves between coastal communities, processing sites and classrooms to highlight the people and skills behind the country’s seafood reputation. According to Fish Focus, her remit centres on building relationships across the supply chain and promoting Scottish produce on global markets.

Her professional path combines academic training and practical sector work. Adamson read Marine Biology at Stirling University and holds a Master’s in Estuarine and Coastal Science and Management from Hull University; she also worked with Lantra, engaging with aquaculture employers to broaden awareness of career possibilities. Seafood Scotland appointed her to the engagement role in 2023; the organisation says she is charged with deepening links across the industry and supporting its development.

Practical experience remains central to her approach. Recounting an early field assignment, Adamson says, “On my second day, I was sent down to Largs to trawl for langoustines with a local fisherman,” a moment she uses to stress the value of learning from those who work at sea.

A major strand of her work is outreach to young people. Adamson helps drive Seafood in Schools and the Scottish Seafood Ambassador scheme, programmes that bring industry volunteers and STEM Ambassadors into classrooms to correct misconceptions about the sector, introduce pupils to species and sustainability, and outline career paths that go beyond catching and processing to include roles in marketing, HR, accounting and technology.

Adamson is also an active advocate for greater gender balance and broader diversity within seafood and aquaculture. She volunteers with Women in Scottish Aquaculture and Women in Fisheries and speaks publicly about the benefits of representation and inclusion for innovation and resilience across the supply chain.

Her efforts sit within an organisation led by senior staff who have emphasised wider strategic priorities for the sector. Seafood Scotland’s team , including CEO Donna Fordyce in a senior leadership role , provides free services to businesses, organises international-facing events such as the Responsible Seafood Summit and works with a board drawn from across the industry to support growth and sustainability.

By linking schools, employers and community networks, Adamson aims to widen the pipeline of talent and help the Scottish seafood sector adapt to future challenges. Her combination of outreach, advocacy and hands-on engagement is intended to ensure that skills, sustainability and diversity remain central to the industry’s long-term prospects.