JEDDAH: The Ministry of Agriculture has lifted a two-year ban on fishermen casting their nets near the shores of Tabuk. The ministry confirmed the news on Tuesday after a committee comprising of fishermen and officials convened.
“After a thorough discussion of the issue that took into account all angles, the committee recommended allowing fishermen from Yanbu to use the shores of Tabuk as fishing areas in their region had been eroded by the construction of industrial and security establishments,” a ministry source said. The meeting recommended that Saudi fishermen should use fishing boats whenever possible and work with border guards to keep the maritime environment clean.
The fishermen community in Yanbu celebrated the decision.
For over two years they were not allowed to approach the shores of Tabuk province, particularly the seaside towns of Umluj, Al-Wajeh and Dhiba.
In a further blow, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu had also confiscated large sections of fishing areas in Madinah province to construct industrial projects, oil factories, seaports and military facilities.
The fishing community in Yanbu was badly hurt by the ban two years ago. Many of the fishermen were forced to look for other jobs in order to be able to support their families. “This is a victory for the fishermen who suffered a lot from the decision banning them from approaching Tabuk shores,” said veteran fisherman Naji Al-Ruwaisi. He said many of them had obtained loans to develop their business but found themselves in a real dilemma when the ban was implemented.
“We now have a new spirit. We can repay our debts and increase our income,” Al-Ruwaisi added.
