A fishy watch

Jon Elmer, in this article Israelis Keep a Fishy Watch dated February 14th 2007, describes the situation of the fishing industry in the Strip of Gaza highlighting its importance to Gaza's 1.5 million population.

If there is not a drastic change in Israeli-imposed ban on Gaza's fishermen, the entire fishing industry will have collapsed by the end of 2007, warns Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Department of Fisheries. Alarming statement considering that the fishing industry is an important source of proteins and employment in Gaza.

The report by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) due to be released this month proves the PNA Department of Fisheries right. The report illustrates how restrictions on trade and movement experienced over 2006 have led to the progressive fragmentation of the economy, dragging previously self-reliant sectors of society such as fishermen, but also traders and small shop owners, into poverty and debt.