Three Filipino Residents Held for Illegal Fishing off Yanbu

Coastal patrols of the Border Guard have detained three Filipino residents in Saudi territorial waters off Yanbu governorate in the Madinah region, after they were found fishing without a permit and using prohibited equipment.

The three men are classified as residents rather than visitors. Legal procedures have already been initiated against them in coordination with the competent authorities, in line with the safety and security regulations governing marine activities in Saudi territorial waters.

What the penalties can involve

Illegal fishing and related marine violations carry administrative fines that generally range from SAR 100 to SAR 10,000 with penalties doubled for repeat offences up to a ceiling of SAR 10,000 Under the marine and coastal environment executive regulation, operating a listed marine activity without a permit can attract fines from SAR 50,000 to SAR 200,000 for a first breach, rising to between SAR 500,000 and SAR 2,000,000 for a third breach. Damaging wildlife, eggs, or habitats is fined between SAR 5,000 and SAR 500,000.

In serious cases, penalties may extend to confiscation of boats and fishing gear and imprisonment, particularly for repeat or aggravated offences such as using forbidden fishing methods or operating during closed seasons.

Marine security violations, including illegal fishing, can be reported through the national emergency numbers: 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 994 in other regions. Yanbu falls under the Madinah region, so residents there use 911.

Licensing and permits for legal fishing are issued through the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the relevant environmental center. Renewals delayed more than 15 days incur a fine of SAR 30 and delays exceeding one year may lead to cancellation of the license and the need to apply for a new one.

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