Environmental groups and other international organizations are warning that parts of the Red Sea's marine ecosystem are in danger following recent U.S. airstrikes on the Ras Isa fuel port in western Yemen's Hodeidah Province. The strikes resulted in a major oil spill that threatens coral reefs, fish breeding grounds, and rare species in the area. The Ras Isa Port is a vital hub for oil exports and a key gateway to the Red Sea. Hours after the April 17 airstrikes by the U.S., initial signs of an oil leak emerged from the damaged storage tanks. The spill was later confirmed by organizations like the Dutch peace group PAX, which reported the spread of oil into open waters. "The environmental damage caused by the U.S. airstrikes on the Ras Isa Port is severe. From an environmental point of view, the direct impact is the destruction of the entire marine ecosystem. The oil blocks sunlight from reaching underwater, which disrupts the food chain. This food chain is the foundation of the marine environment. If it collapses, fish that cannot migrate to other areas will die," said Nazem al-Tariq from Yemen's Environmental Protection Authority. Dhaif Mohammed Shumlan, deputy minister of agriculture in the Yemeni government, raised similar alarms, saying it threatens sensitive marine systems in the Red Sea. "The strike on the Ras Isa Port aims to cut the only lifeline for fuel products to the Yemeni people. It also pollutes marine life. The U.N. secretary-general has warned that there could be spills and pollution throughout the sea which could impact marine life. This harms the Yemeni people, the fishermen, and the fish stocks," said Shumlan. For Yemen's coastal communities, the new oil pollution adds to the struggles of local fishermen. The fishermen already face challenges from the ongoing war and restrictions on movement at sea due to the presence of U.S. warships. Now, with oil spreading near fishing areas, many fear a drop in fish stocks and damage to their nets. This threatens their only source of income and increases the economic pressure on thousands of families who depend on fishing to survive. SHOTLIST: Hodeidah Province, Yemen - April 19, 2025 1. Various of damaged vehicles, oil storage tanks following U.S. airstrikes; 2. Seawater; Sanaa, Yemen - April 23, 2025 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nazem al-Tariq, Yemen's Environmental Protection Authority (partially overlaid with shot 4): "The environmental damage caused by the U.S. airstrikes on the Ras Isa Port is severe. From an environmental point of view, the direct impact is the destruction of the entire marine ecosystem. The oil blocks sunlight from reaching underwater, which disrupts the food chain. This food chain is the foundation of the marine environment. If it collapses, fish that cannot migrate to other areas will die."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] Hodeidah Province, Yemen - April 19, 2025 4. Damaged oil storage tanks following U.S. airstrikes; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 5. Various of damaged oil storage tanks; 6. Various of fishing boats, sea birds; Sanaa, Yemen - April 23, 2025 7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Dhaif Mohammed Shumlan, deputy minister of agriculture, Yemeni government (starting with shot 6): "The strike on the Ras Isa Port aims to cut the only lifeline for fuel products to the Yemeni people. It also pollutes marine life. The U.N. secretary-general has warned that there could be spills and pollution throughout the sea which could impact marine life. This harms the Yemeni people, the fishermen, and the fish stocks."; FILE: Hodeidah Province, Yemen - Jan 14, 2025 8. Various of fishing boats, fishermen, man holding fish in hand. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]