Page 26 - AWA-41-No.1 issue

DAIRY FARMING

Reviving Gaza’s fishing sector hinges on restoring

peace and safe access to the sea

onflict has brought Gaza’s once thriving fishing sector “In Gaza’s fishing areas now lie broken boats, torn nets, and
Cto the brink of collapse, but the situation could still be ruined infrastructure, standing in stark contrast to the once-
reversed if peace is restored and fishers are granted safe ac- vibrant industry that supported thousands of fishers for gen-
cess to fishing waters, along with the resumption of imports erations,” said FAO Deputy Director-General, Beth Bechdol.
of essential fish production inputs and tools, the Food and Ag-
riculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said today. “For Gazans, the sea was not just a source of food, but a
source of livelihood and identity. FAO can assist to help re-
The impact of the ongoing escalation on the fishing sector
is devastating. Gaza's average daily catch between October build Gaza’s fishing industry, but for this to happen peace
2023 to April 2024 dropped to just 7.3 percent of 2022 levels, must first be established and fishers must be allowed to op-
causing a $17.5 million production loss. The destruction of erate their boats and cast their nets without fear of harm,” she
Gaza's two main aquaculture farms, along with the hatchery added.
facility, has also left the sector unable to produce alternative
aquatic foods through aquaculture. FAO’s role

According to one assessment, before the conflict over 6 000 Ciro Fiorillo, Head of the FAO Office for the West Bank and
individuals in Gaza, including 4 200 registered fishers and Gaza Strip, stated, “FAO is ready to restart projects, replenish
boat owners, relied on fishing as their main income. The sec- damaged boats and equipment, and inject emergency funds
tor supported around 110 000 people. as soon as these key fishing inputs for production are allowed
Even before the recent military escalation, fishers in Gaza to enter the Strip, a sustained ceasefire is in place, and access
were restricted to operating within limited fishing zones: six to the sea is restored. This will help Gazan fishers resume
nautical miles in the north and 15 in the south. Today, those their activities, revitalize livelihoods, contribute to economic
fishing just metres from the shore are reportedly being tar- recovery, and restore dignity to the people of Gaza.”
geted, risking their lives. North of Wadi Gaza, which sepa-
rates the northern and southern parts of the Strip, the Port Before the escalation of hostilities, FAO supported over 4
of Gaza City has been severely damaged, with most fishing 000 Gazan fishers, improving food security, safety, and sus-
boats destroyed. tainability. Key initiatives like the marine cage project and
enhanced fish stock monitoring, helped to establish inland
Impact on food security and on livelihoods
fish farms, enhanced fishers' skills, shared best practices, and
The damage to Gaza’s fishing sector has exacerbated an supplied essential cold chain resources, including solar pan-
already dire food security crisis. Fish, once a vital source of els, ensuring a more resilient food source for Gaza.
protein and other essential nutrients for Gazans, is now near-
ly unavailable. Circle 32 on enquiry card
24 Vol. 41 No. 1