Gaza's Fishing Industry Sails through Adversity with Reclaimed Dinghies

In Gaza, reclaimed materials are used to restore dinghies to support a struggling fishing industry amid Israeli restrictions on new supplies. The cost of fibreglass has soared, crippling boat repairs. Despite these hurdles, fishermen persist, though total catch has plummeted, emphasizing the sector's reliance on small boats.

In a makeshift Gaza workshop, craftsmen transform reclaimed materials into life-saving dinghies for the enclave’s fishing trade. Faced with prohibitive restrictions on new fibreglass imports from Israel, workers rely on salvaged goods to keep their industry afloat.

Fishermen, who once navigated freely, now face costly constraints with fibreglass prices surging to around 800 shekels. Before conflict-related shortages, the vital material cost only 50 to 60 shekels per kilo.

Despite these challenges, Gaza's fishing catch has dwindled to less than 15 tons monthly. As these boats remain essential for sustenance, the struggle reflects Gaza’s broader hardship and reliance on limited marine resources.