As part of the ongoing and intensive security efforts undertaken by the competent 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 in the Bish sector of the Jazan 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 in the Kingdom’s territorial waters.
Official details revealed that the operation was carried out after the violators were observed fishing in maritime areas without the necessary permits. Quantities of fish caught illegally were found in their possession, prompting immediate legal action against them in coordination with the relevant authorities to apply deterrent penalties.
The importance of maritime regulations and the protection of fish stocks
This process is part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom to preserve the marine environment and ensure the sustainability of fish stocks, which are a vital economic and food resource. The requirement to obtain fishing permits is not merely a routine procedure, but a crucial regulatory tool aimed at preventing overfishing, protecting breeding seasons, and ensuring that fish stocks are not depleted. The regulations governing safety and security for those engaged in maritime activities establish strict controls to protect fishermen themselves and their equipment, as well as to safeguard the marine environment from harmful practices.
The role of the border guard in protecting national assets
Border Guard personnel play a pivotal role that extends beyond protecting sovereign borders to include safeguarding the nation's environmental and economic resources. Maritime and coastal patrols operate around the clock to monitor any violations that could harm wildlife or contravene applicable regulations. This vigilance reflects the high level of alertness among security personnel and their commitment to rigorously enforcing the law to ensure a safe and sustainable marine environment, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for environmental preservation.
A call for social responsibility and reporting
At the conclusion of the incident, the General Directorate of Border Guards reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to fully comply with the regulations and instructions pertaining to fishing and marine recreation. It urged everyone to recognize their national responsibility to protect living aquatic resources and to promptly report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations.
Reports can be submitted easily and in complete confidentiality by calling the emergency numbers, which are (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Madinah, and the numbers (994) , (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing that the reports are dealt with in complete confidentiality without the slightest responsibility on the person reporting.
