Violators of the maritime activities regulations in Jeddah were apprehended, and the coasts were protected
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect the marine environment, the Makkah Region Border Guard Command announced that its coastal patrols in Jeddah Governorate apprehended two individuals, one a Saudi citizen and the other a Turkmen resident, for violating regulations governing the safety and security of maritime activities in Saudi territorial waters. The Border Guard spokesperson explained that the violation consisted of fishing without the necessary permits and using prohibited fishing gear that poses a threat to the marine environment. Legal procedures were initiated against them in full coordination with the relevant authorities.
The general context of Saudi coast protection efforts
This operation is part of a series of measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its extensive coastlines on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, which are of major strategic, economic, and environmental importance. These measures are based on the “Executive Regulations for the Security and Safety of Navigation in Saudi Territorial Waters,” which aim to regulate all maritime activities, from fishing and recreation to water sports, ensuring the safety of lives and property and preserving the sustainability of living marine resources. The Saudi Border Guard is considered the first line of defense for these coasts, carrying out multiple tasks including monitoring maritime borders, combating smuggling and infiltration, enforcing marine environmental regulations, and providing search and rescue services.
The importance of implementing regulations and their expected impact
The strict enforcement of these regulations has multiple dimensions that extend beyond simply penalizing violators. Locally, it contributes to protecting the Red Sea's delicate ecosystems, such as coral reefs, which are home to unique biodiversity and are negatively impacted by unregulated and illegal fishing practices. It also ensures the sustainability of fish stocks, on which a large segment of local fishermen depend, and supports the coastal tourism sector, a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's efforts to secure its territorial waters contribute to enhancing the security of vital international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and underscore its commitment to international agreements related to marine environmental conservation and combating illegal fishing.
A call for commitment and community cooperation
The Border Guard reiterated its call to all citizens and residents who frequent the sea and engage in various maritime activities to adhere to regulations and instructions, obtain the necessary licenses, and use only permitted equipment. It also urged everyone to cooperate and report any violations or practices that may harm the marine environment or threaten navigational safety by calling the designated emergency numbers: (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and (994) or (999) in the rest of the Kingdom. The Border Guard emphasized that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality and immediate attention.
