The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Al-Lith Governorate has begun implementing an extensive field campaign aimed at monitoring and ensuring compliance with marine fishing activities, as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to protect fish stocks and ensure the sustainability of natural resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Field tours of 5 main marinas
The inspection campaign targeted several key marinas in the governorate, including Al-Laith Marina, Al-Masna' Marina, Majirmah Marina, Al-Ghalah Marina, and Samar Marina. Specialized teams conducted thorough inspections to monitor the compliance of fishermen and those working in the fishing sector with established regulations and to ensure the legality of the fishing equipment used and its adherence to environmental standards.
Strategic context: Protecting fish stocks and Vision 2030
These field initiatives align with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the environment, water, and agriculture sectors. Through the National Fisheries Development Program, the Ministry is working to enhance food security and increase the sector's contribution to the GDP. This can only be achieved through strict monitoring that prevents overfishing and curbs practices that harm coral reefs and the marine environment that sustains fish populations.
The importance of Al-Lith Governorate as a coastal destination
Al-Lith Governorate holds significant strategic importance on the Red Sea coast, being one of the most important fishing centers in the Makkah region. Its coastline boasts unique biodiversity and abundant fish stocks, making the implementation of compliance standards essential to ensure the sustainability of this vital economic resource for the region's inhabitants and the national economy as a whole. Monitoring campaigns work to protect the rights of compliant fishermen by deterring violators who deplete resources through illegal means.
Campaign objectives and official statements
The campaign primarily aims to monitor violations immediately, promote a culture of compliance with regulations governing marine fishing, and raise awareness about the importance of using environmentally friendly fishing gear. In this context, the Director of the Ministry's office in Al-Lith Governorate, Engineer Yahya Al-Mahabi, emphasized that this campaign is not a one-off event but rather part of the Ministry's strategy to protect natural resources, enhance monitoring efficiency, and support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector. He stressed that preserving the marine environment is a shared responsibility that ensures a better future for generations to come.
