Helping Struggling Fishermen Sustain Small Businesses

Gaza | At Gaza's main port, fishermen cluster around their boats and get ready for the new fishing season. The sea is their livelihood and a part of life. "[The sea] is a father and a mother," explains Issa Abu Amira, 52, who has spent 45 years as a fisherman. "My soulmate, I talk to him every day and listen to his waves. Fishing is the only way I know to earn a living."

Although it is a risky profession, fishing has been in Issa's family for generations. He follows in their path and now, with his own boat, he has a small business and teaches fishing skills to his six sons. In 1996, he borrowed $5,000 from ANERA to repair the boat engine and purchase equipment.

"I had to repair holes in my boat five or six times before I went out," Issa says, looking out toward sea. "We heard about fishing boats sinking during windy and dark nights." In 2005, he took another loan from ANERA to expand his business. Today, at the beginning of the season, he has hired fishermen to accompany him with lights to attract fish to the nets at dusk.

Over the past five years, some boats and equipment have fallen into disrepair. The 3,500 fishermen of Gaza are allowed only limited access to the beach and the fishing area is restricted to four miles along the coast. Fishermen say this is not enough to reach the sardine shoals, an especially important area since the number of fish in the Mediterranean has dropped considerably in recent years.

"Production has fallen and we must now wait for unsuspecting fish to approach and be caught in our nets." Issa gives a sad smile. "We cannot go after them any more."

The fishermen also lack permission to export their catch from Gaza, limiting their overall access to markets.

With funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development program, ANERA eases their plight by offering loans ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. These loans help fishermen earn money and continue their passionate involvement with the sea. In 2005 and 2006, the loans helped purchase 65 hassaka (fishing boats), 30 engines, 31 nets, and other gear, as well as maintain the boats.

"I would like to thank ANERA," Issa says, pulling his nets into his boat and preparing to head out to sea. "These loans make a big difference in the lives of our fishermen."