HODEIDAH, Yemen, July 19 (Xinhua) — In a fishing port in Hodeidah Province, western Yemen, several small wooden boats return from their fishing trips.
The small boats are around five meters long, slightly longer than a car. Most of them are painted in light blue and white, some with beautiful Arabesque designs on the front.
The boats have small cabins to store fish and ice, but the fishermen have to endure the harsh conditions of the Red Sea from the deck.
Fishing in Hodeidah has never been easy, but the ongoing conflict and economic crisis in Yemen have made it almost impossible.
“I didn’t catch many fish,” said Essa Al-Wesabi, a fisherman. “The only positive thing is that I have returned safely.”
For Al-Wesabi and other fishermen, each fishing trip is dangerous. This coastal province is at risk of airstrikes and naval mines due to the conflict between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels.
“Every time I go fishing, my wife cries, afraid I won’t come home like many of my friends,” he said, recalling losing three boats to airstrikes that nearly cost his life.
“I am one of the lucky ones. My friend, Al-Yateem, and his sons went out and lost their lives, all for some fish,” Al-Wesabi added.
Fishing has been the backbone of the coastal communities for centuries. While the land may lack fertility, the sea provides an abundance of fish.
“Without fishing, many of us would starve. It’s either sitting idle and starving or risking our lives at sea,” the fishermen said.
The fishing sector in Yemen has suffered significant losses estimated at nearly $6.9 billion due to the destruction of harbors, landing centers, and boats, according to Yemen’s Fisheries Authority.
Yemen’s coastline, once abundant with fishing grounds stretching over 2,000 km, supported thousands of livelihoods and contributed to the national economy.
However, the civil war since 2014 has caused a humanitarian crisis, with over 17 million people dependent on food aid and more than 2 million children facing severe malnutrition.
Mohammad Husein, another fisherman, shared his financial struggles caused by the war, mentioning that the conflict not only makes fishing harder but also reduces local demand, leading to lower incomes for fishermen.
“Fish markets across the country have seen a significant drop in prices, severely affecting our income,” he said, noting that fewer people can afford to buy fish, resulting in a shrinking market.
The port, which is home to nearly 100 ships, often remains quiet for days or even weeks. Pelicans hover nearby, hoping to scavenge any discarded fish, while fishermen gaze out at the Red Sea.
“The only way to regain our lives is to restore peace and order in Yemen. Then fishermen can venture out to sea, and farmers can cultivate their crops,” Husein concluded.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
