Four residents were arrested for fishing without a permit in Mecca

The General Directorate of Border Guards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that its coastal patrols in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, Makkah Region, apprehended four Egyptian residents. This operation was part of ongoing efforts to enforce regulations and protect the marine environment. The detainees were found to have violated safety and security regulations for those engaged in maritime activities by fishing without obtaining the necessary permits from the relevant authorities. A quantity of fish, the result of their illegal activity, was seized from them.

The general context of marine environmental protection efforts

This incident is part of a broader set of measures the Kingdom is taking to protect its natural resources, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on environmental sustainability. Relevant authorities, primarily the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in coordination with the Border Guard, are working to implement strict regulations to govern fishing and prevent destructive practices that threaten biodiversity in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. These regulations include defining fishing seasons and species, prohibiting the use of banned gear, and requiring licenses to ensure responsible and sustainable fishing practices.

The importance and impact of regulating fishing

Regulating fishing operations is not merely an administrative procedure; it is a vital necessity for preserving fish stocks and preventing their depletion, thus ensuring the sustainability of this important economic resource for future generations. Overfishing and unregulated fishing negatively impact the marine food chain and threaten coral reefs and the microorganisms upon which fish depend. Locally, enforcing these laws in areas like Al-Qunfudhah, whose economy relies heavily on fishing, protects the livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen and prevents unfair competition. Nationally, these efforts enhance the Kingdom's position as a leader in marine conservation and support the promising ecotourism sector.

Procedures and a call for compliance

Upon apprehending the violators, initial legal procedures were initiated against them, and coordination was established with the relevant authorities to complete investigations and apply the penalties stipulated by law. In this regard, the Border Guard reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to adhere to the regulations and instructions related to protecting living aquatic resources. It also urged everyone to immediately report any practices that may constitute an attack on the environment or wildlife by calling the designated emergency numbers (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or (994) and (999) in the rest of the Kingdom, emphasizing that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality.