# Yemen agricultural and fisheries development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/yemen-agricultural-and-fisheries-development
> Updated: 2026-09-08T11:13:43.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 4.

Yemeni authorities have initiated efforts to strengthen food security through the development of the agricultural and fisheries sectors. In the Socotra Archipelago, officials met to prepare for the 2026–2027 fishing season, focusing on production, marketing, and investor attraction with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization. In Abyan, discussions centered on greenhouse farming, irrigation improvements, and protecting agricultural lands following floods that replenished local dams.

To ensure long-term sustainability of marine resources, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries issued regulatory decrees, including the closure of the squid fishing season and a one-year ban on all types of rockfish fishing along the Yemeni coast, effective September 2026. The rockfish ban allows for exceptions only for licensed scientific research.

In a significant diplomatic move, Yemen has rejoined the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) after an 11-year absence. Officials stated the return aims to ensure international tuna fishing quotas account for the “humanitarian and social realities” of Yemen’s artisanal fishing communities, particularly as the country produces between 35,000 and 50,000 tons of yellowfin tuna annually.

Furthering its international engagement, the Ministry participated via video link in the 37th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI 37) in Rome. Representatives discussed sustainable management, combating illegal fishing, and climate change adaptation to strengthen the domestic fisheries sector. Simultaneously, a committee under the Seed Advisory Council in Aden continues to work on regulating agricultural inputs, focusing on seed, seedling, and fertilizer systems to support national food security.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Yemen participates in 37th FAO Committee on Fisheries session

Yemen's Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries joined the 37th FAO Committee on Fisheries session in Rome to discuss sustainable resource management and food security.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yemen-participates-in-37th-fao-committee-on-fisheries-session

### 2026-09-06: Yemen rejoins tuna commission and updates agricultural regulations

Yemen has rejoined the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission after 11 years to protect its fisheries and is also implementing new regulations to manage agricultural seeds and fertilizers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yemen-rejoins-tuna-commission-and-updates-agricultural-regulations

### 2026-09-03: Yemen Ministry of Agriculture bans rockfish fishing and closes squid season

Yemen's Ministry of Agriculture has closed the squid fishing season and issued a one-year ban on rockfish fishing to protect marine resources and ensure stock sustainability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yemen-ministry-of-agriculture-bans-rockfish-fishing-and-closes-squid-season

### 2026-08-18: Yemen officials coordinate fisheries and agriculture development

Yemeni officials are working to strengthen food security by preparing for the upcoming fishing season in Socotra and advancing agricultural irrigation and protection projects in Abyan.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yemen-officials-coordinate-fisheries-and-agriculture-development

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Cite as: Yemen agricultural and fisheries development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/yemen-agricultural-and-fisheries-development