As part of ongoing efforts to enhance environmental security and protect the natural resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Border Guard Command announced that its coastal patrols in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, Makkah Region, apprehended five individuals violating fishing regulations and maritime activity guidelines. The incident involved four Egyptian residents and one Indian resident who were fishing without the required licenses. They were caught in possession of a quantity of illegally caught fish.
Background of hunting regulations in the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on preserving its rich marine environment, particularly along the coasts of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Historically, fishing has been an integral part of the economy and culture of coastal communities. With increasing pressure on natural resources, the government has enacted strict regulations and laws to govern fishing operations, aiming to balance economic exploitation with environmental sustainability. These regulations are part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, both of which place environmental protection and biodiversity conservation at the heart of their long-term development goals.
The importance and impact of the procedures
The enforcement of the maritime safety and security regulations, which the defendants violated, is not merely an administrative procedure, but a crucial line of defense against illegal, unregulated, and unsustainable (IUU) fishing. These practices pose a serious threat to sensitive marine ecosystems, such as the coral reefs for which the Red Sea is renowned, and deplete fish stocks, negatively impacting law-abiding fishermen and long-term food security. Locally, these measures ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry for future generations, while nationally, they enhance the Kingdom's reputation as a leader in marine conservation and the application of international sustainability standards.
Coordination and regulatory procedures
Initial legal procedures were initiated against the five violators, and they and the seized items were handed over to the competent authorities to complete the investigations and apply the penalties stipulated by law. The Border Guard affirms its continued monitoring of the coasts and its firm enforcement of regulations to deter any attempt to harm living aquatic resources.
In this context, the Border Guard urged all citizens and residents, especially those engaged in maritime activities, to adhere to regulations and instructions and to actively contribute to environmental protection by immediately reporting any violations or harmful practices. The relevant authorities can be contacted via the designated emergency numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 994 or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Border Guard emphasized that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
