The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced the start of the implementation of the executive regulations for the management of the marine and coastal environment in the Kingdom, based on the Environment Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/165) on 11/19/1441 H.

The Ministry explained that the regulation aims to set controls, standards and requirements that enable the protection and sustainability of the marine and coastal environment.

The regulation included defining the scope of work and responsibilities of 3 national centers, including: The National Center for Wildlife Development, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, and the National Center for Environmental Compliance Monitoring, regarding the sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment to protect it, develop wildlife and ecosystems, and clarify the procedures related to licenses and environmental permits for activities in the marine and coastal environment, including any coastal construction or demolition, rock and gravel quarrying, removal of beach sand and marine sediments, filling, drilling, dredging, beach reclamation, construction or removal of breakwaters and sea walls, and any target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here)

The regulation also outlines the provisions related to the controls on the means and equipment for fishing for marine fungi and animals, as well as the controls on marine vessels, in addition to identifying areas of high environmental importance in the marine and coastal environment. The regulation also includes a table of classification of violations, penalties and fines for hunting or extracting marine wildlife, to protect marine wildlife such as turtles, dolphins, sharks, whales and other endangered species.