Turning the Tide : Rebuilding Yemen’s Fisheries for Economic Growth, Jobs, and Prosperity

Overview & Synopsis

Yemen’s fisheries are a vital economic and social asset, supporting coastal livelihoods, providing food security, and contributing to Yemen’s economy and job creation. However, the sector has faced acute challenges since the outbreak of conflict more than a decade ago. Given the sector’s importance, sustained support is required to bolster its role in Yemen’s post-war socioeconomic recovery. This Technical Note summarizes the current state of the fishery sector in Yemen and provides practical recommendations to grow the sector in a sustainable manner. It is based on two studies conducted with financing from PROBLUE: the Fisheries Profile for the Gulf of Aden Coast and the Value Chain Study on Spiny Lobster and Yellowfin Tuna, as well as the Diversification Study funded by Sustainable Fishery Development in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (SFISH) Program. The Note is intended to serve as a basis for policy dialogue with the government for the sector’s sustainable recovery and to inform future investment.