Science On The Water With Shea Bloom
While Shea Bloom attended the 11th World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) in South Africa in a personal leadership capacity via the FRDC, her role as a Black Magic Tackle Brand Ambassador highlights a powerful connection.
She is bridging the gap between every day on-water experience and high-level fisheries management.
We sat down with Shea to chat about global trends, female leadership, and why the future of fishing relies on a little bit of shared science.
Q: How did it feel to step out on the world stage and represent Aussie women while navigating South Africa's unique fishing landscape?
Shea: Honestly, it was both humbling and incredibly empowering!
South Africa’s fishing scene has its own amazing vibe, but being surrounded by passionate fishos, scientists, and industry leaders from every corner of the globe really showed me how connected we all are. I felt so proud to represent Australian Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFB) alongside the Black Magic Tackle Pro Team. It really proved that everyday anglers could have a meaningful, respected voice in the future of global conservation.
Q: What was the single biggest scientific takeaway you brought home that you're absolutely itching to try out on the water?
Shea: Without a doubt, it was seeing the massive success of global citizen science programs. It was eye-opening to see how everyday catch reporting, tagging, angler diaries, and electronic tracking are shaping modern fisheries management.
Our practical, on-the-water knowledge is so valuable to researchers!
It was also fantastic to see Australia leading the way, with our fisheries agencies working hand-in-hand with both recreational and commercial fishos.
I'm so keen to see that level of deep community collaboration expand right across the ditch.
Q: Did the conference change how you view our personal responsibility as anglers toward protecting the spots we love?
Shea: Absolutely. It reminded me that being an angler extends far beyond just catching fish. As public figures and passionate fishos, we have an amazing opportunity to share positive habits around sustainable fish handling and habitat protection. Long-term sustainability relies on us leading by example. Getting behind local tree planting days, ‘Clean Up Australia’ initiatives, and habitat restoration empowers all of us to feel a deep, personal connection to the natural environment around us.
Q: What was the most inspiring moment for you when networking with other female leaders in the global fishing community?
Shea: Meeting Kenyan leaders Nelly Kadagi and Nina Wambiji. Their incredible research and impact within billfish conservation — traditionally a very male-dominated space —was genuinely inspiring. Seeing nearly 50% female representation across the entire conference showed me how much positive progress is happening globally. It reinforced why we must keep creating leadership opportunities for women in rec fishing. Hearing their journeys was a massive, proud "yeah the girls!" moment.
Q: How did it feel to step out of the comfort zone of the "pro angler" bubble and into a room full of global scientists?
Shea: I’ll admit, it was a little intimidating at first because I don't come from a formal scientific background! But I quickly realized that scientists truly value the lived, practical experience that recreational fishos bring to the table. Being respected as a key stakeholder gave my confidence a massive boost. It showed me that we all have a vital role to play in fisheries management well beyond competitions and social media.
Q: Now that you’ve connected with the world’s best, what is next for your journey?
Shea: I want to use my platforms and industry partnerships to make fisheries science feel relatable and accessible to everyday fishos. My goal is to encourage more women and the next generation of youth to get involved in citizen science and conservation. If we take care of our waters today, the future of fishing across Australasia will remain strong, healthy, and sustainable for generations to come.
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