Gaza fishing sector faces near-total destruction

The fishing sector in the Gaza Strip has faced near-total destruction due to ongoing conflict and blockade, according to Zakaria Bakr, head of the General Union of Fishing and Marine Production Workers. Reports indicate that over 95% of fishing equipment and infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed.

Human casualties include more than 234 fishermen killed, approximately 160 injured, and 150 detained. Material losses are extensive, with over 2,000 boats and pieces of fishing equipment completely destroyed, including all large vessels known locally as ‘al-lansharat’. Additionally, more than 350 equipment warehouses and vital facilities, such as fish markets, have been ruined.

The impact on food security is severe. Daily fish production has plummeted from a pre-war average of 15 to 20 tons per day to just 10 to 15 tons per month. This collapse in production, combined with the prevention of essential fishing supplies from entering the region, has significantly reduced individual fish consumption and threatened the livelihoods of thousands of families.