A violation of maritime regulations was recorded in Jeddah: Environmental protection and enforcement of the law
The Coast Guard patrols in Jeddah, Makkah Province, announced the arrest of a citizen for violating the safety and security regulations governing maritime activities in Saudi Arabian territorial waters. This operation is part of ongoing efforts by security and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing maritime activities and fishing in the Kingdom's territorial waters.
Details of the violation and the legal procedures
The relevant authorities explained that the citizen's violation consisted of fishing without obtaining the necessary permit from the concerned authorities, in addition to using prohibited fishing gear that poses a danger to the marine environment and violates approved standards. Coastal patrols took all necessary legal measures against the violator immediately upon his apprehension, and he was referred to the competent authorities to complete the investigations and apply the penalties stipulated by law. This reflects the firmness in enforcing the law to ensure the safety of maritime activities.
The importance of adhering to maritime regulations in the Kingdom
The safety and security regulations for those engaged in maritime activities are of paramount importance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These regulations aim to organize fishing and recreational activities, ensuring the safety of all users and preserving natural resources. They are an integral part of the legal framework designed to regulate the Kingdom's extensive coastlines, both on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The emphasis on obtaining permits and prohibiting the use of banned equipment is a proactive measure to prevent disorder in territorial waters and to facilitate search and rescue operations in emergencies by providing data on those present at sea.
Environmental dimension and protection of living aquatic resources
The importance of addressing such violations extends beyond security and regulation to include protecting the marine environment, a matter of paramount importance to the Kingdom within the framework of its Vision 2030 objectives. The use of prohibited fishing gear (such as trawls or devices that damage coral reefs) leads to the depletion of fish stocks and the destruction of native marine life, threatening the ecological balance of the Red Sea, one of the world's richest seas in terms of biodiversity. Therefore, the efforts of the Border Guard directly contribute to supporting Saudi Arabia's green initiatives and protecting wildlife from overfishing and harmful practices.
Call for reporting and community cooperation
In closing, the General Directorate of Border Guards urged all citizens and residents to fully comply with the regulations and instructions related to protecting living aquatic resources, emphasizing that community awareness is the first line of defense for environmental protection. It called on everyone to promptly report any instances of environmental or wildlife abuse, or violations of fishing regulations, by contacting the designated emergency numbers
- The number (911) is available in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
- The numbers (994), (999) and (996) are in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
The relevant authorities confirmed that all reports will be dealt with in complete confidentiality, without any legal responsibility falling on the reporter, in order to encourage the public to actively participate in protecting the nation’s assets.
