Yemen's Red Sea fishermen grapple with war-driven hazards and restrictions

In al-Makha, Yemen, fishermen like Mazhar endure daily threats from gunfire, unexplained attacks and sea-mines that have claimed lives and left many missing. The Red Sea, once a vital source of export earnings, has seen fish shipments drop roughly 70 % after the conflict started in 2015. Control of the coastline is split between Houthi rebels and pro-government Guardians of the Republic forces, each imposing intermittent naval restrictions that push fishers into shallow waters and limit access to artificial reefs.

The Fishermen’s Association reports that more than 30,000 fishers are struggling, with 113 reported missing since 2023 and sea-mines causing 264 deaths and 215 injuries. Arrests on smuggling accusations further compound the crisis, driving some, like Ismail, to abandon fishing for other work. Others, such as Akram, consider relocating to safer ports like Aden, while many remain trapped between the need to feed their families and the danger of the sea.