Yemen: Fishermen Struggle Amid Conflict and Climate Change
In a recent report by NAZIH OSSEIRAN from Thomson Reuters Foundation, the plight of Yemeni fishermen has been brought to light as they face challenges from both conflict and extreme weather conditions. The ongoing civil war and the effects of climate change have left fishermen like Salem Atek with no choice but to abandon their trade or venture into riskier waters off East Africa.
For Atek, the year 2024 has been a series of setbacks. Conflict in the Red Sea forced him to seek meagre catches closer to shore, while climate change brought unseasonably high tides that damaged his fishing equipment. The combination of conflict and climate change has created a perfect storm for Yemen’s fishing community, with more than half of the country’s population relying on outside aid due to the humanitarian crisis.
The civil war in Yemen, coupled with the conflict at sea, has disrupted the livelihoods of fishermen, forcing them into debt as they struggle to make ends meet. Fishermen are being driven out of their usual fishing grounds, with some even venturing into more dangerous waters along the East African coast. The risks are high, as some fishermen have been captured by pirates or detained by foreign authorities.
The impact of conflict and climate change on Yemen’s fishing industry has been devastating, with thousands of people facing acute food insecurity and the depletion of fish stocks due to extreme weather events. The war has intensified the challenges faced by fishermen, pushing many to abandon their trade in search of safer alternatives.
As Yemen grapples with the effects of conflict and climate change, the future of its fishing industry remains uncertain. The country’s vulnerability to climate change, coupled with the ongoing civil war, poses significant challenges for fishermen like Atek who are struggling to survive in the face of adversity.