In this thoroughly aquatic episode, Port Fairy abalone diver, founder and director of Fox Wild Abalone, Craig Fox, takes us inside the world of this unique wild harvest industry. Craig revisits one of the darkest times in his professional life, when a highly contagious outbreak of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) swept through the industry’s Western Zone. He speaks about the devastating emotional and financial impact, and the collective leadership the fisheries sector showed to recover and rebuild. Craig is passionate about fostering the diversity needed for his industry to continue to flourish into the future.

The busy leader will also next year participate in the Australian Rural Leadership Program, thanks to a scholarship from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.

Sitting down with our host, Claire Delahunty, Craig talks about the perspective his work gives him on healthy ocean environments, and the importance of telling the story of Australia’s world-leading seafood industries. We hope you enjoy this episode, as we mark World Ocean Day 2024.

Some highlights:

• Craig describes the power of leaders working together to recover after disaster
• The value of shared knowledge and mentoring
• The importance of young women making their mark on a male-dominated industry
• A reminder to check country of origin labels on our seafood, and buy Australian
• If you’ve ever wondered the best way to cook your abalone, Craig has the answer!

Our host:

Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia.

Resources:

⁠⁠ARLF podcast blog⁠⁠

⁠⁠ARLF website

Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

World Ocean Day 2024

Fox Wild Abalone Instagram: @foxwildabalone

Abalone diver, Craig Fox_Port Fairy Winter Weekends

Abalone and Fox – A match made in heaven

If any of our episodes raise concerns for you, please reach out for support. Lifeline: call 13 11 14 | text 0477 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au/