MEET MArtA - THE ‘WOMEN IN AQUACULTURE’ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT from portugal
Could you tell us a bit about yourself, Marta?
My name is Marta Carvalho, I am 27 years old, and I was born in Porto, Portugal. I received my master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Aquatic Sciences at my hometown university, Porto. Since my last year of my bachelor degree, I have been working on aquaculture nutrition research with different species and different topics, from amino acids to feed additives. Currently, I am getting my PhD in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
That’s fascinating! What are you focused on studying?
In my PhD research, I am mainly focused on finding novel omega-3 sources for fish feed to increase economic and environmental sustainability. I am studying novel and sustainable ingredients with the potential to increase the original omega-3 contents of the final product, making fish healthier, tasty, and more attractive for people. This is part of Kvarøy Arctic’s values too. I really identified both with Kvarøy’s goals and working culture since the first time I read about the company.
How do you feel about winning our global scholarship and what does it mean to you in terms of supporting women in the aquaculture world?
I was surprised when I received the email informing me that I was the selected candidate for the Global Women in Aquaculture Scholarship. Until today, I wasn’t able to completely express how much I appreciate this scholarship for all that it means. Firstly, it is a great honor for me to be the recipient of a scholarship dedicated to women in this field. I am aware that many women are rejected from jobs and opportunities in this sector simply because they are women. This fact is easily supported by the percentage of women involved in the aquaculture industry, which is only 19%, according to FAO official data from 2018. Therefore, although I have never felt gender imbalance in my home country in a personal circumstance, I believe that our role as women is to support each other and fight together — to increase the number of women enrolled in the aquaculture sector, regardless of the country or culture.
What are you looking forward to most about your summer internship on our farm?
This is a great opportunity for me to learn new skills, probably more practical and technical and also at large-scale, which is sometimes difficult to develop in an academic context. I firmly believe that I have much to learn from the Kvarøy team and that it will be helpful to transfer this knowledge to my home and working countries.
How do you see this scholarship supporting your career overall?
Lastly, but not least, this scholarship will also allow me to continue financing my education and career. Specifically, I aim to attend courses and international conferences, where I will present the research work I have been carrying out during these last years, which I hope can contribute to improving the sector.
Congratulations, again! Any other thoughts you’d love to share with our community?
I am confident that I will share the purpose of this scholarship with other women, encouraging them not to give up on their dreams and to work hard for their position in this industry, which belongs to us as well.
