Yemen’s War Could Quietly Damage Somaliland’s Fishing Communities
The clearest economic danger from Yemen’s conflict may not arrive through Berbera’s container terminal. It may first appear among small fishing crews who find familiar waters more dangerous, fuel more expensive and buyers less reliable.
Somaliland’s first pilot fisheries frame survey, covering six major landing sites from Lawyo Addo and Zeila to Berbera, Maydh and Laasqoray, documented 1,110 boats and 2,909 fisheries workers along an 850-kilometre Gulf of Aden coastline. These are modest numbers nationally, but in coastal settlements fishing income supports households with few alternatives.
There is not yet sufficient public evidence to quantify losses to Somaliland fishermen from the latest fighting. The assessment is therefore a risk analysis, not a claim that the sector has already collapsed.
A crowded security environment
Houthi territorial gains, Saudi air operations and greater naval activity can change fishermen’s behaviour even when no fishing boat is directly attacked. Crews may avoid productive grounds, remain closer to shore or stop sailing at night. Naval forces facing drones, smuggling vessels and hostile small boats may view unidentified craft with greater suspicion.
The risk is intensified by weak communications and limited vessel identification. Many small boats lack reliable tracking, insurance or equipment needed to contact naval forces. An engine failure inside a security zone can become far more dangerous during wartime.
Conflict also disrupts shared markets. Yemeni and Somaliland fishing communities have long operated across connected Gulf of Aden ecosystems and trading routes. Damage to Yemeni landing sites and cold chains can reduce legal trade while encouraging smuggling or illegal fishing elsewhere. FAO has previously warned that maritime insecurity can force fishermen to abandon work, reducing both income and local fish supplies.
A food-security opportunity could be lost
Somaliland frequently discusses fisheries as an alternative source of jobs and domestic food. That promise depends on ice, cold storage, safe landing sites, reliable fuel and access to markets. Higher maritime risk weakens every link.
WARYATV Assessment
The government should treat fishermen as part of maritime security, not as an afterthought. It needs a coastal notification system, emergency radio channels, basic vessel registration and clear guidance on restricted areas. Compensation or fuel support may be required if security measures keep crews ashore. The danger is quiet: a Red Sea war can reduce Somaliland’s food supply one cancelled fishing trip at a time.
