Yemen’s fisheries sector has faced significant challenges due to ongoing conflict and climate-related pressures. Years of instability have damaged essential infrastructure, such as landing sites and cold storage facilities, while rising fuel costs and weakened transportation networks have made it difficult for fishers to maintain their livelihoods and keep fish affordable in local markets.
The World Bank, together with partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service (SMEPS), is working to address these issues through the $45 million Sustainable Fishery Development in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (SFISH) Program. The initiative aims to help coastal communities regain stability and build long-term resilience.
"SFISH has transformed livelihoods across Yemen. By rebuilding critical infrastructure, revitalizing fishing value chains, generating jobs, and securing food systems, it is making a tangible difference for thousands of households," said Maria Sarraf, Regional Manager at the World Bank.
Before the outbreak of conflict in 2014, fisheries were Yemen’s second-largest export sector. They contributed 3% of GDP and provided employment for approximately 1.7 million people. However, years of war have severely affected the industry—exports have dropped by 25%, and projections indicate that catches could decrease by another 23% by mid-century. At the same time, more people are entering the sector; in the Gulf of Aden alone, fisher numbers increased from 8,000 to 13,000 over two decades.
Climate change has further strained resources through ocean acidification and warming seas that reduce fish stocks. Despite these difficulties, efforts are underway to restore hope for those who depend on fishing.
Since its launch, SFISH has supported nearly 4,000 fishers and entrepreneurs in increasing productivity and incomes. The project has also helped create or improve over 7,300 jobs. Among its beneficiaries are more than 800 female entrepreneurs who received funding to adopt sustainable practices along the fish value chain.
For some participants like Anwar—a mother of five—the support has been life-changing: "The grant opened doors for my family's livelihood and improved our economic situation. Before the training, I had no experience or capital. Now, with the tools and knowledge gained, we can create and produce more effectively.”
The program is rehabilitating nine landing sites serving up to 1,500 fishers each. For example, at Al Qurn Governorate’s site—neglected since its construction in 1998—improvements include new auction halls, sanitation facilities, utility networks, and flood-protection walls designed to enhance climate resilience.
SFISH also encourages sustainable business models within the sector. In Al Mahra Governorate’s Bawazir Ice & Fish Preservation Factory, a solar-power system was installed with SFISH support; this reduced energy costs by one quarter while improving reliability and creating local jobs.
"We faced many challenges. Sometimes, the factory would have to stop because of the fuel shortage. There’s a clear difference between how the factory operated before and how it works now with solar energy. Production increased, prices are lower, and both buyers and fishermen are pleased," said Abdullah Omar Ba Wazir, owner of Bawazir.
In Hadramout Governorate’s Al-Sahel Packaging Facility—which also received SFISH support—daily output rose by 300%. The facility expanded into new markets with diversified products; it is now seeking international certification to boost exports further.
On a regional level, SFISH collaborates with organizations such as PERGSA (Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden) to strengthen fisheries management across borders. A protocol signed by Djibouti, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan,and Yemen is enhancing data collection on fish stocks; meanwhile,a regional action plan targets illegal fishing activities,and contingency plans address oil or chemical spills affecting marine environments.
Looking ahead,the program is exploring aquaculture—including mariculture opportunities like spiny lobsterand sea cucumber farming—to reduce pressure on wild fisheries.Community-based management plans are also being developed as partof efforts toward sustainability.
Despite ongoing adversity,Yemen’s fisheries continue providing foodand identity.SFISH aims torebuild this foundationfor greater resilience,equity,and sustainability moving forward.