Yemen / EU: Financial support for fisheries sector The European Commission has granted Euro 7.5 million (US$ 9.38 million) for two assistance projects in Yemen... The projects will support the government and NGO partnership for the promotion and protection of human rights in Yemen and the sustainable development of its fishery sector. They are part of the Commission's 2005-2006 strategy for Yemen that focuses on poverty reduction and strengthening of pluralism and democracy. The projects focus on increasing the productivity and competitiveness of Yemen's fishery sector and improving the quality of its output, without affecting fish stocks. The main aim is improving quality in order to maximize coastal communities fishing revenue, in which tuna catching plays an important role, while reducing health risks for consumers in Yemen and abroad. Activities include capacity building, research and development efforts related to fish conservation and handling, and upgrading of infrastructure and equipment such as landing places, auction halls, quality control laboratories and inspection facilities. The project will also develop a fisheries management information system, based on monitoring of catches, allowing sustainable sector management through informed decision-making.