Jazan: Residents arrested for violating marine fishing regulations in Bish
As part of the ongoing efforts of the security authorities to protect the maritime borders and ensure compliance with regulations and laws, the coastal patrols of the Border Guard in Bish Governorate in the Jazan region were able to apprehend two Bangladeshi residents for committing clear violations of the security and safety regulations for those practicing maritime activities in the territorial waters of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The relevant authorities explained that the violation consisted of the residents engaging in fishing without obtaining the necessary official permits. Quantities of fish caught illegally were found in their possession. The competent authorities immediately initiated the necessary legal procedures against them, in preparation for referring them to the appropriate authorities to apply the legally prescribed penalties.
The general context and importance of maritime regulation:
This security operation is part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance maritime security and enforce the rule of law along its extensive coastline. The Border Guard sector is the first line of defense in protecting marine resources, and its duties are not limited to security alone, but extend to regulatory and environmental aspects. Historically, the Kingdom has given great importance to regulating fishing in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, given the strategic and economic significance of these areas.
The environmental and economic dimensions, and their alignment with Vision 2030,
make addressing such violations of paramount importance, extending beyond individual incidents to broader national and regional objectives. From an environmental perspective, unlicensed fishing contributes to the depletion of fish stocks and damages coral reefs, threatening the marine ecological balance that the "Saudi Green Initiative" and the Kingdom's Vision 2030 seek to protect and sustain for future generations.
Economically, strict enforcement of regulations ensures fair competition for licensed fishermen who adhere to the rules and protects the local market from products of unknown origin that may not meet food safety standards. Furthermore, regulating maritime activities enhances the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia's coast as a global tourist destination and is a key pillar in diversifying national income sources.
a call for cooperation and reporting
, the General Directorate of Border Guards concluded its statement by urging all citizens and residents to fully comply with the regulations and instructions related to fishing and marine recreation, emphasizing that preserving marine resources is a shared societal responsibility. It called on everyone to report any violations affecting the environment or wildlife, or any suspicious activity, by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, or 994, 999, and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Directorate stressed that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality.
