Five violators of marine fishing regulations were apprehended in Al-Qunfudhah, Makkah
As part of the ongoing efforts of the security authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect maritime borders and preserve natural resources, the coastal patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate in the Makkah Region were able to apprehend five residents of Egyptian nationality for committing clear violations of the security and safety regulations for those practicing maritime activities.
Details of the incident and the legal procedures
The relevant authorities explained that the arrests were the result of close and continuous monitoring of maritime areas, where patrols spotted the individuals fishing without the necessary permits. Quantities of fish caught illegally were found in their possession. Upon their arrest, the competent authorities initiated all necessary legal procedures against them, in preparation for referring them to the appropriate authorities to apply the penalties stipulated by law.
The importance of adhering to maritime and environmental regulations
This initiative reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to regulating maritime activities and ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources. The safety and security regulations for those engaged in maritime activities are a cornerstone for guaranteeing the safety of fishermen and recreational boaters, as well as protecting the marine environment from overexploitation. Fishing without a permit is a legal violation that subjects the offender to prosecution, as these permits aim to regulate the quantities, types, and seasons of catches in accordance with international environmental standards.
Protecting water resources and the Kingdom's vision
The Kingdom places great importance on protecting the marine environment as part of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on safeguarding vegetation, wildlife, and biodiversity in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Border Guard units work alongside the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to deter violators and prevent practices that could harm coral reefs or lead to the extinction of certain fish species. Preserving these resources is not solely the responsibility of official bodies, but a national and societal duty incumbent upon everyone.
Call for reporting and community engagement
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. It also emphasized the importance of community involvement in reporting any violations that harm the environment or wildlife or pose a security threat. Suspicious cases or violations can be reported by calling the unified emergency number (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, or by calling (994), (999), and (996) in the rest of the Kingdom. The Directorate affirmed that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and that the reporter bears no legal responsibility.
