YEMEN: Squid fishing in Yemen is under threat due to random trawling and unauthorised fishing
- 00:01:48
- ITN Source
YEMEN: Squid fishing in Yemen is under threat due to random trawling and unauthorised fishing
The number of squid around the coast of Yemen is decreasing due to the presence of large fishing companies trawling the waters, posing a risk to Yemen's fragile economy. Fishermen in Yemen are concerned that squid fishing is under an enormous threat due to the random and unorganised fishing and trawling of nets by large commercial fishing ships in the area. In the al-Mahra Governorate, in the eastern part of Yemen along the Arabian Sea, fishermen say that industrial fishing in areas earmarked for traditional fishing has led to a decline in the numbers of squid, threatening their already fragile economy. Haj Ali Dakoud, a local fisherman, said that it is difficult to catch squid due to the presence of the large ships in the area. While the country's fishing industry remains a largely family-owned industry, the presence of industrial and commercial vessels is on the increase. According to local media reports, squid catches have declined by 60% in the al-Mahra Governorate alone this year . The Ministry of Fishery Wealth said that it is trying to prevent a further decline in production and is banning the fishing of squid in the territorial waters of Yemen. But some fish sellers say that the the illegal fishing has already had an impact on their industry, with this year having the lowest production of squid. Fish seller Khaled al-Sakaf said that production can be as low as one tonne a day. Al-Mahra and Hadramout are considered to be the most important areas where squid gather, and with the number of squid decreasing those involved in the business are concerned that they could become extinct. 'In the past years, the production (of squid) was very high but last year it became less. This year it has decreased even more than last year, and this is due to the lack of control by the union of fishermen, the branch of the ministry and other responsible authorities for fishing. This is affecting us and the country and could lead to the extinction of this resource', said Ahmed Tahtan al-Tamimi, who works for a fishing export company. Al-Mahra produces around 98,00 tonnes per year of fish, which amounts to over 41% of the country's total fishing production. Squid is one of Yemen's main exports alongside crude oil and coffee.
ITN Source | November 29, 2007
