The General Directorate of Border Guards announced that its coastal patrols in Bish Governorate, Jazan Region, apprehended two Bangladeshi residents for violating the regulations governing maritime safety and security activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's territorial waters. The Border Guards spokesperson explained that the violation consisted of fishing without the necessary permits, and a quantity of illegally caught fish was found in their possession. Initial legal procedures were initiated against them, and they were referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation and the application of the prescribed penalties.
General context and efforts to protect the marine environment
This operation comes as part of the ongoing efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by its Border Guard Forces, to assert its sovereignty over its territorial waters and protect its natural resources. The Jazan region, with its strategic location on the Red Sea coast, holds significant economic and environmental importance, as its coastline is home to rich biodiversity and unique coral reefs. Fishing is a vital activity upon which many of the region's inhabitants depend, necessitating strict regulations to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and prevent overfishing and unregulated fishing that threatens the ecological balance.
The importance of implementing the systems and their expected impact
The implementation of these regulations has far-reaching implications, extending beyond the local level to encompass regional and international dimensions. Locally, apprehending violators helps protect the livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen, ensures a level playing field, and safeguards fish stocks for future generations. Regionally, these measures enhance the Kingdom's standing as a key player in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses a threat to food security and the economy in the Red Sea region. Internationally, these efforts align with international agreements and treaties aimed at preserving the marine environment and combating transnational crimes that may exploit maritime activities as a cover.
A call for compliance and reporting of violations
The Border Guard reiterated its call to all citizens and residents, especially those engaged in maritime activities such as fishermen and recreational boaters, to fully comply with the regulations and instructions related to protecting living aquatic resources. It also urged everyone to immediately report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations by calling the designated emergency numbers: (911) in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and (994), (999), or (996) in the rest of the Kingdom. The Border Guard emphasized that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality and without any legal repercussions for the reporter.
