Yemen’s fishing industry, centered primarily along its extensive Red Sea and Arabian Sea coastlines, is a vital sector for the country’s economy and food security, especially in coastal communities. The industry is largely artisanal, with small-scale fishers making up the majority of the workforce, though there is some industrial activity. The top fish catches in Yemen include species such as tuna (notably yellowfin and skipjack), mackerel, sardines, groupers, and cuttlefish. Historically, fishing has been an important livelihood in Yemen for centuries, with traditional methods passed down through generations. Despite its rich marine resources, the industry has faced challenges in recent decades due to conflict, limited infrastructure, and overfishing. However, Yemen’s waters remain among the most productive in the region, with the potential for sustainable development if peace and investment return.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian oil sardine | 38,065 |
| 2 | Pelagic percomorphs nei | 32,300 |
| 3 | Yellowfin tuna | 24,575 |
| 4 | Cuttlefish, bobtail squids nei | 12,110 |
| 5 | Indian mackerel | 10,035 |
| 6 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 9,020 |
| 7 | Kawakawa | 4,710 |
| 8 | Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel | 4,115 |
| 9 | Sea catfishes nei | 3,840 |
| 10 | Longtail tuna | 3,370 |
| 11 | Barracudas nei | 2,945 |
| 12 | Jack and horse mackerels nei | 2,830 |
| 13 | Skipjack tuna | 2,755 |
| 14 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 2,745 |
| 15 | Mullets nei | 2,715 |
| 16 | Threadfin and dwarf breams nei | 2,570 |
| 17 | Largehead hairtail | 2,420 |
| 17 | Swordfish | 2,420 |
| 19 | Emperors(=Scavengers) nei | 1,985 |
| 20 | Groupers, seabasses nei | 1,925 |
| 21 | Indian halibut | 1,730 |
| 22 | Fusiliers nei | 1,305 |
| 22 | Snappers, jobfishes nei | 1,305 |
| 24 | Demersal percomorphs nei | 1,270 |
| 25 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 1,135 |
| 26 | Lizardfishes nei | 1,065 |
| 27 | Grunts, sweetlips nei | 1,005 |
| 28 | Marine crabs nei | 475 |
| 29 | Cobia | 425 |
| 30 | Cardinalfishes, etc. nei | 265 |
| 30 | Indo-Pacific sailfish | 265 |
| 32 | Scalloped spiny lobster | 220 |
| 33 | Marine molluscs nei | 80 |
| 34 | Indo-Pacific king mackerel | 70 |
| 34 | Frigate tuna | 70 |
| 36 | Sea cucumbers nei | 30 |
| 37 | Octopuses, etc. nei | 25 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.