Border guards in Asir arrest 6 residents for hunting without a permit
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the marine environment, coastal patrols of the Border Guard sector in Al-Qahmah Governorate, Asir Region, apprehended six residents for fishing without a permit. The apprehended individuals included Bangladeshi and Indian nationals, and their actions were found to be in clear violation of the safety and security regulations governing maritime activities in the territorial waters of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Quantities of fish caught illegally were found in their possession, prompting the initiation of all necessary legal procedures against them in direct coordination with the relevant authorities.
The Kingdom's efforts to combat unlicensed fishing and protect the environment
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long prioritized the protection of its marine environment and aquatic resources. Combating unlicensed fishing is an integral part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at preserving biodiversity in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Historically, relevant authorities, primarily the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in cooperation with the General Directorate of Border Guards, have established strict regulations to govern fishing seasons and specify permitted fishing gear, thereby preventing the depletion of natural resources. These regulations align with the initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of its development goals, ensuring the preservation of these resources for future generations and providing a safe and sustainable marine environment.
The positive impact of implementing maritime activity regulations
The firm enforcement of regulations against illegal fishing has far-reaching positive effects. Locally, it supports legitimate fishermen who depend on the sea for their livelihood and prevents unfair competition that harms the local economy. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental standards reinforces its position as a leader in marine wildlife conservation and aligns with international treaties aimed at curbing overfishing. This commitment ensures the recovery of fish stocks and maintains the delicate ecological balance of the coral reefs and diverse marine life that abound in Saudi waters.
A call for cooperation and reporting of environmental violations
In this context, the Border Guard urged all citizens and residents to fully comply with the regulations and instructions related to protecting living aquatic resources. Security authorities emphasized the importance of taking the initiative and reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Reports can be submitted easily and confidentially by calling the unified number (911) in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions. In the rest of the Kingdom, contact can be made via the numbers (994), (999), and (996). Authorities affirm that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality and high professionalism, without imposing any legal liability on the reporter, thus reinforcing the role of community partnership in preserving the nation's resources.
