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Gaza Fishing: An Industry in Danger
By OCHA Special Focus
April 20, 2007
Key Observations
After a near total ban on fishing since June
2006, fishermen have finally been allowed
back into coastal waters off the Gaza Strip
for the high season.
There needs to be an immediate increase
in the current fishing range beyond six
nautical miles (nm) for fishermen to enjoy
the full economic benefits of the high
season which began at the start of April.
The fishing industry faces long term decline
and even possible extinction if the
current restrictions are maintained. Annual
income has dropped from $10m to less than
half of that since the start of the intifada,
according to the Palestinian Authority
(PA) Department of Fisheries (DoF).
No formal communication exists between
the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and fishermen
over the range to which boats are permitted.
This lack of dialogue has led to the deaths,
injuries and continuing arrest of fishermen. The
restrictions have been imposed by the Israelis
on the grounds of security, and particularly
in relation to concerns over the smuggling of
weapons and other contraband items.
Restrictions on fishing rights has led to
overfishing in shallow coastal waters and
resulted in the depletion of breeding grounds.
If the restrictions continue future fishing stocks
will be threatened.
Fishermen and those who depend on the
industry for livelihoods are moving from selfreliance
to dependence on food aid and job
creation schemes provided by the UN and
other humanitarian organisations.
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