Explosives, toxic substances banned for hunting marine wildlife

RIYADH — Penalties for failing to take the necessary measures to contain leaks in the marine and coastal environment can reach up to SR5 million. This is part of the revised punitive measures in the updated executive regulations for the sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment, approved by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. The updated regulations introducing a range of controls, prohibitions, and procedures aimed at protecting marine and coastal ecosystems and strengthening environmental compliance. According to the updated regulations, penalties for the violations will be determined based on the extent of the damage and the affected area. Violators are also required to rectify the violation, repair the damage, and pay the prescribed compensation. The regulations explicitly prohibit hunting marine wildlife using explosives, toxic substances, or narcotics, as well as hunting endangered or prohibited marine wildlife, including their products and derivatives. Exceptions apply to activities conducted by competent authorities for protection, development, or scientific research purposes under valid licenses. They also prohibit the use of prohibited fishing methods and the disposal of fishing gear in the marine and coastal environment, as well as dropping anchors in unauthorized locations, particularly in coral reefs, seagrass beds, protected areas, and sensitive habitats. The regulations prohibit six activities without an environmental permit, including marine and coastal tourism; transportation and ports; traditional and renewable monitoring activities; the discharge of treated wastewater; coastal mining; and the construction or relocation of marine vessel mooring facilities. They also prohibit the dumping or discharge of untreated wastewater and liquid components, as well as the disposal of waste, toxic and hazardous chemicals, oils and their derivatives, fuels, sediments, and polluted soils into the marine and coastal environment. The regulations establish controls for monitoring, controlling, and protecting wildlife, coral reefs, and turtles; developing coastal vegetation; and responding to environmental emergencies and disasters. They also prohibit any practice that could disrupt the ecological balance, degrade water quality, or harm marine and coastal organisms and their habitats. The regulations further require the owner, operator, or person responsible for an activity to immediately notify the National Center for Environmental Compliance in the event of an oil spill, a leak of harmful substances, the loss of any cargo, an incident with an environmental impact, or any violation of the provisions of the law or regulations.The regulations prohibit the introduction of invasive and alien species, as well as the destruction or damage of wildlife habitats and breeding grounds, including coral reefs, turtle nesting areas, seabird colonies, and nursery and breeding grounds for aquatic life. They also require anyone who accidentally catches an endangered or protected wildlife species to immediately return it unharmed and report any death or injury to the relevant authorities. In addition, they mandate that necessary measures be taken to prevent the capture, stranding, or harming of marine and coastal organisms. The use of prohibited or modified fishing gear is prohibited, as is fishing during designated breeding, nesting, and growth seasons. The regulations further prohibit the use of prohibited or modified fishing methods or equipment and fishing during specified seasons and periods to protect breeding, nesting, and growth seasons.