Five people were arrested for hunting without a permit in Al-Qunfudhah, Makkah
Coastal patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate in the Makkah Region were able to apprehend five residents who violated regulations, as part of the ongoing security and monitoring efforts made by the competent authorities to protect the coasts and natural resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In detail, the relevant authorities explained that the violators were four Egyptian residents and one Indian resident. They were apprehended for violating the safety and security regulations for those engaged in maritime activities within the Kingdom's territorial waters. It was established that they were fishing without the necessary permits, and quantities of fish caught illegally were found in their possession. The necessary legal procedures were completed, and they were referred to the competent authorities for the application of the prescribed penalties.
The importance of regulating fishing and protecting the marine environment
This security operation comes within the context of Saudi Arabia's growing commitment to protecting its marine environment and fish stocks, which are an integral part of the country's food and economic security. The Kingdom enforces strict regulations regarding fishing, not only to maintain security but also to ensure the sustainability of natural resources in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Fishing without a permit poses a direct threat to the ecological balance, as it often fails to adhere to environmental standards, such as avoiding the capture of juvenile fish or endangered species, or fishing during prohibited breeding seasons.
The Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, where the incident occurred, holds particular importance due to its strategic location on the Red Sea coast and its rich marine life and unique biodiversity. Therefore, border guard patrols have intensified their presence to ensure these resources are not depleted through illegal practices and to guarantee compliance with maritime safety regulations, which are primarily aimed at protecting lives and property.
A call for compliance and reporting of violations
In closing, the General Directorate of Border Guards urged all citizens and residents to fully comply with the regulations and instructions pertaining to fishing and marine recreation, and to ensure they obtain the necessary permits from the relevant authorities before engaging in any maritime activity. It emphasized that protecting living aquatic resources is a shared national responsibility that requires the cooperation of everyone.
The Directorate also urged everyone to report any instances of environmental or wildlife abuse, or any violations of maritime regulations, by calling the designated emergency numbers. Reports can be made via 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or via 994, 999, and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Directorate emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and that the reporter bears no responsibility whatsoever.
