Fishery Sector in Yemen
The fishery industry in Yemen is one of four promising sectors with significant potential to achieve diversification in the country economy and in realizing job-creating pro-poor economic growth for the country’s socio-economic development. The long coastline of 2,520 kilometres is endowed with diverse coastal habitats and harbours a rich marine resource wealth.
Due to high productivity and a long fishing tradition, it is of major importance for the Yemeni economy. The sector is consistently identified as a key sector in the country’s development, contributing to poverty reduction. Furthermore, after petroleum products, fishery exports constitute 15% of total export and are considered as a major source of employment, income and food security throughout the coastal zone. The fishing industry is dominated by small-scale enterprises which currently support the livelihoods of an estimated 83,400 small-scale and 583,600 of their household members, for a total of about 667,000 people. Yemen was classified as major regional fish producer, accounting more than 50% of fish production and exports across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
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Challenges
The number of fishers has increased at an average rate of 7.5% over the past two decades, resulting in significant increases in fish production from the early 1990s to date. Artisanal currently operate in about 19,500 fishing boats and account for over 90% of total production, despite the presence of both licensed and illegal foreign (and national) trawlers in Yemeni waters. The fishery sector experienced impressive growth from 2000 till 2005, when a decline started. Accordingly, a sharp decline in export growth was noticed despite increased sales level, due to drop in export prices. Similarly, the domestic market was in constant decline, as well as the average catch per fisher.
Fishery Exports
The fishery sector put Yemen on the top list of fish exporters for Gulf and global markets. Before the conflict, Yemen’s fish exports reached 50 Asian, African, and European countries, of which 12 Arab countries represent 58% of the export market. Before the crisis, (2000 to 2010) the total market value was USD 188 million. A major boom was witnessed 2013 to 2014, when the total market value of exports reached USD 289 and USD 170 million respectively. As a result of the conflict, the fishery export market value shrunk and reached USD 74 million in 2018.
Traditional fishers are an important productive segment contributing to Yemen economy where they account for 79% of total fish production. Fish production has witnessed a great development during past years, increasing from 1000 tonnes in 1990 to 142,000 tonnes in 2001 and then jumping to 256,000 tonnes in 2004. However, in 2005 and 2006 it decreased to 239,000 tonnes and 230,000 tonnes respectively and 200,000 tonnes during 2013. As a result of the conflict, dramatic declines in production were witnessed after 2014 and 2017, levelling out at 50,000 tonnes.
Associations and Cooperatives
Associations and cooperatives have a big influence in the fishery industry. Fishers Cooperative Union (FCU) and Ministry of Fishery Wealth (MFW) have had a generally poor relationship. Cooperatives believe that MFW does not protect the interests of small by not enforcing fishery law and regulations, leading to unsustainable over-exploitation of the resource base. MFW believes that avoid paying taxes and under-report catch and has implied that cooperatives should be closed. However, recent confidence-building measures, such as joint MFW/FCU study tours, have started to lay the foundation for dispute resolution and improved relationships. It is reported that the Ministry of Social Affairs is facing difficulties in enforcing the Cooperative Law due to budgetary constraints, while the FCU lacks resources for auditing cooperative accounts, as mandated, and is thus unable to recommend the closure of financially non-compliant cooperatives.
Impact of Crisis on Fishery in Yemen
The current crisis has been impacting the fishing industry, adding more financial and technical burdens upon actors working at the chain. As per MFW (2019), the total loss was estimated at USD 3.1 billion, while the number of whom were killed is 133. Furthermore, 36,000 have lost their income while 204 fishing boats have been damaged.
Recommendations by the research study
- Promote the Creation or Expansion of SMEs
- Increase Youth and Women Access to Resources, Economic Empowerment Opportunities and Internship
- Promote the SMEs by Developing Integrated Partnerships and Joint Venture of Actors in the Value Chain
- Promoting Efficient Partnerships
- Improving the Economic Status of Small Fisher Households to Create Sustainable Economic Opportunities for Poor Women, Youth and Men in Fishing Communities
- Building Capacity of SMEs in Sales and CRM Strategy
- Improve Fishery Sector Policy, Institutional Management and Humanitarian Response
- Improve Market Functionality and Access Opportunities
The full research study is available here. The research study was to inform work with UNDP for the development of the MSME sector in targeted locations in light of their ERRY II project.