The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) is delighted to announce that Alexandra Philippe has been appointed as the new Chair during the Executive Committee (ExCom) meeting held in Paris on 12 March. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the Advisory Councils’ history, as Alexandra becomes the first Chair representing the Other Interest Group (OIG).
"I would like to thank all members of the NWWAC Executive Committee for their trust.” declared Alexandra Philippe. “Stakeholder engagement is key to effective fisheries management, and Advisory Councils are the best place for this. They provide a unique opportunity to directly influence policy and to strike compromises between stakeholders with different ideas, backgrounds, and national perspectives. In the end, this is what the European Union is all about."
Her appointment reflects the NWWAC’s commitment to inclusive and balanced representation within the Advisory Council. With her extensive experience and strategic vision, Alexandra will play a pivotal role in guiding the NWWAC’s efforts to provide well-informed and sustainable policy recommendations.
In addition to the election of the Chair, the ExCom has also appointed three Vice Chairs: Irene Prieto (OPPF4), Jean-Marie Robert (Les Pêcheurs de Bretagne PO), and John Lynch (Irish South & East Fish Producers Organisation). Their collective expertise will be invaluable in supporting Alexandra Philippe and the Secretariat in advancing the AC’s mission.
The NWWAC also extends its heartfelt appreciation to Emiel Brouckaert (Rederscentrale), the outgoing Chair, for his exceptional dedication and outstanding leadership over the past years. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the AC’s progress and strengthening its advisory role.
Alexandra Philippe is Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Advisor at the European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD), an NGO that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in Europe and globally. She also serves as NGO Coordinator for the Energy Transition Partnership for Fisheries and Aquaculture – platform established by DG MARE. Previously, she spent eight years at the European Parliament, mainly as a parliamentary assistant to the Chair of the Fisheries Committee, contributing to fisheries policies and legislative negotiations.