Border Guards in Jazan arrest 5 violators of marine fishing regulations
As part of the ongoing efforts of the security authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect national resources and ensure compliance with regulations and laws, the coastal patrols of the Border Guard sector in Bish Governorate in the Jazan region were able to apprehend five residents of Egyptian nationality, due to their clear violation of the security and safety regulations for those practicing maritime activities in the maritime areas of the Kingdom.
The relevant authorities explained that the seizure was the result of close and continuous monitoring of the coastlines, which revealed that the violators were practicing fishing without obtaining the necessary official permits. Quantities of fish caught illegally were found in their possession, prompting the initiation of all necessary legal and regulatory procedures against them, and their referral to the competent authorities for further investigation and the application of the penalties stipulated by law.
The importance of adhering to maritime safety and security regulations
This operation comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to regulating various maritime activities, whether commercial or recreational, through the implementation of strict safety and security regulations. These regulations primarily aim to protect lives and property, as well as to regulate fishing operations to ensure the preservation of natural resources. Obtaining official permits is a prerequisite for engaging in any maritime activity, as these permits ensure that the relevant authorities are aware of the identities and locations of those practicing maritime activities, thus facilitating rescue operations in emergencies and preventing unregulated practices.
Protecting fish stocks and the marine environment
The efforts of the Border Guard in apprehending violators of fishing regulations are of paramount strategic and environmental importance, as the Red Sea boasts unique biodiversity and a vast fish stock that is a vital contributor to the Kingdom's food security. In line with Vision 2030, the Kingdom is working to enhance the sustainability of these resources by combating illegal and unlicensed fishing, which threatens the ecological balance and the reproduction of marine life. Fishing without a permit is often associated with practices that damage coral reefs or the harvesting of prohibited or undersized species, necessitating strict enforcement of regulations to ensure the preservation of these resources for future generations.
The role of border guards and social responsibility
Border Guard personnel continue their heroic duties in protecting the nation's land and sea borders, not only from a traditional security standpoint, but also through their vital role in safeguarding environmental and economic resources. Coastal patrols serve as the first line of defense against any violations that could harm the marine environment.
In closing, the General Directorate of Border Guards urged all citizens and residents to fully comply with the regulations and instructions related to fishing and marine recreation, and to actively contribute to the protection of living aquatic resources. It also called on everyone to immediately report any suspected cases or violations that constitute an attack on the environment or wildlife by calling the unified emergency number (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or (994), (999), and (996) in the rest of the Kingdom. The Directorate emphasized that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality and without any legal liability on the part of the reporter.
