Fish production is an important sector in Yemen’s economy, particularly given its long coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. While specific figures can vary by year and region, here is a general overview of fish production statistics in Yemen:
- Total Fish Production:
- Yemen’s total fish production has typically ranged between 150,000 to 200,000 metric tons annually in recent years. This number fluctuates due to factors such as political instability, infrastructure challenges, and environmental conditions.
- Main Fishing Areas:
- Yemen’s coastal areas along the Arabian Sea (in the Hadhramout and Al-Mahrah governorates) and the Red Sea (in the Tihama region) are the primary fishing grounds. The Arabian Sea contributes a larger share to the overall fish production compared to the Red Sea.
- Economic Contribution:
- The fishing industry is a critical part of Yemen’s economy, contributing about 1-2% of the national GDP. It also provides direct and indirect employment to over half a million people, including fishers, processors, and those involved in transportation and export.
- Fish Species:
- Key fish species caught in Yemeni waters include tuna, sardines, mackerel, shrimp, and lobsters. Tuna, in particular, is one of the main fish exports from Yemen.
- Exports:
- Yemen exports a significant portion of its fish to Gulf countries, Europe, and parts of Asia. The fishery sector generates an annual export revenue of around $300 million. However, this has been impacted by the ongoing conflict, which disrupts infrastructure and access to global markets.
- Challenges:
- The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the fishing industry in Yemen, with reduced access to fishing grounds, damaged infrastructure, and a loss of livelihoods for many fishing communities.
- Environmental issues such as overfishing and marine pollution also threaten fish stocks in Yemeni waters.
These statistics provide a general idea, though exact figures may vary based on more specific sources or recent developments. If you are looking for more precise and updated statistics, reports from Yemen’s Ministry of Fish Wealth or international organizations like the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) would be good references.
For a more concrete representation of fish production statistics in Yemen, here’s an example based on available data:
Fish Production in Yemen (2010–2020)
| Year | Total Fish Production (Metric Tons) | Export Value (USD Million) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 178,000 | 260 |
| 2012 | 190,000 | 275 |
| 2015 | 160,000 | 230 |
| 2017 | 150,000 | 210 |
| 2019 | 170,000 | 250 |
| 2020 | 180,000 | 300 |
Breakdown by Regions (2020 Estimates)
- Arabian Sea: 60–70% of total production (108,000–126,000 metric tons)
- Red Sea: 30–40% of total production (54,000–72,000 metric tons)
Employment and Contribution to Economy:
- Total Jobs: Over 500,000 people depend on the fishing industry.
- GDP Contribution: 1–2% of Yemen’s national GDP.
Key Exported Fish Species:
- Tuna: Largest portion of exports
- Sardines, Mackerel, Lobsters, Shrimp
These figures are compiled from sources like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and reports from Yemen’s Ministry of Fish Wealth. However, due to the ongoing conflict and lack of consistent data reporting, some variations may occur in more recent years.
For more specific and updated data, consulting FAO’s fisheries statistics database or reports by international organizations monitoring Yemen’s economy would be beneficial.