New Protocol to Boost Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Fishing in the Red Sea

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced that the Cabinet-approved Protocol Concerning Regional Cooperation in Management of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden will strengthen the Kingdom's commitment to marine sustainability, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting the protection of natural resources.

 The protocol includes member states of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), which are Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen, in addition to Saudi Arabia. It is a key tool under the Jeddah Convention (1982) that aims to ensure sustainable management of living marine resources; protect habitats and biodiversity; develop best practices for fishing and aquaculture; combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; enhance regional coordination and data exchange on fish stocks; and implement joint programs to build capacity in member states.

 This agreement will provide a specialized platform for cooperation, helping countries modernize national legislation, coordinate conservation efforts, and promote biosecurity to prevent the spread of diseases and invasive species in aquaculture. The protocol also seeks to provide training and technical support to member states in collaboration with international organizations.