تكون للمصطلحات والعبارات التالية - أينما وردت في هذه اللائحة التنفيذية - المعاني الموضحة أدناه، ما لم يقتضِ السياق صراحةً خلاف ذلك:

• **النظام: **النظام العام للبيئة.
• **اللائحة التنفيذية: **اللائحة التنفيذية للإدارة المستدامة للبيئة البحرية والساحلية.
• الوزارة: وزارة البيئة والمياه والزراعة.
• الوزير: وزير البيئة والمياه والزراعة.
• المركز المختص: المركز الوطني للرقابة على الالتزام البيئي، أو المركز الوطني لتنمية الحياة الفطرية، أو المركز الوطني لتنمية الغطاء النباتي ومكافحة التصحر، كلٌّ في حدود اختصاصه ونطاق عمله وفقاً لأحكام هذه اللائحة التنفيذية.
• الشخص: أي شخص طبيعي أو اعتباري عام أو خاص.
• **المفتشون: **الموظفون الذين يعينهم الوزير أو رئيس مجلس إدارة المركز للاضطلاع بأعمال الرصد والتفتيش البيئي، وضبط المخالفات والتحقيق فيها وإثباتها وفقاً لأحكام النظام واللوائح التنفيذية.
• النشاط: أي منشأة أو مشروع أو عمل صناعي أو تجاري أو خدمي، أو غير ذلك من الأنشطة التي يُتوقع أن يكون لها تأثير بيئي ضار.
• التصريح: وثيقة يصدرها المركز المختص للشخص قبل الشروع في أي نشاط.
• الترخيص: وثيقة يصدرها المركز المختص تخول الشخص ممارسة نشاط بيئي.
• المصرح له: الشخص الذي يُمنح تصريحاً وفقاً لأحكام هذه اللائحة التنفيذية.
• **المرخص له: **الشخص الذي يُمنح ترخيصاً وفقاً لأحكام هذه اللائحة التنفيذية.
• البيئة البحرية والساحلية: المناطق البحرية، والمناطق الساحلية، والجزر، ومكوناتها الطبيعية، سواء أكانت أشجاراً أم شجيرات أم نباتات أم أعشاباً أم طحالب أم شعاباً مرجانية أم كائنات دقيقة، وما شابه ذلك.
• النباتات الساحلية: النباتات التي تنمو في المياه قليلة الملوحة - البحرية - وتعلو فوق مستوى الماء، وتشمل أشجار المانغروف.
• النباتات البحرية: النباتات التي تنمو داخل المياه البحرية قليلة الملوحة بشكل كامل، مثل الأعشاب البحرية والعوالق النباتية.
• المناطق المحمية: المواقع البرية أو البحرية أو الساحلية التي تحددها الجهة المختصة وتخصص لحماية الأنواع الفطرية وتنميتها.
• الأنواع الفطرية: أي كائن حي أو ميت ينتمي علمياً إلى مجموعات الحيوانات أو النباتات، باستثناء الإنسان والحيوانات الأليفة أو المستأنسة، إضافة إلى الثروات المائية الحية المحددة في نظام الزراعة الصادر بالمرسوم الملكي رقم (م/64) وتاريخ 10/8/1442هـ.
• التفاعل مع الأنواع الفطرية: الأنشطة التي يمارسها الأشخاص وتؤدي إلى تأثير إيجابي أو سلبي على الأنواع الفطرية البحرية، بما في ذلك الاقتراب منها أو إزعاجها أو لمسها أو مراقبتها.
• المشتق: أي مادة مستخرجة من الأنواع الفطرية، سواء أكانت طبيعية أم اصطناعية.
• المنتج: أي جزء غير مصنع أو مصنع جزئياً أو كلياً من أحد الأنواع الفطرية.
• الصيد: محاولة أو مطاردة أو إمساك أو جرح أو قتل أو غير ذلك مما يفيد الممارسة الفعلية لصيد أي حيوان فطري بري أو بحري.
• الصيد العرضي: وقوع الأنواع الفطرية البحرية في أدوات أو معدات الصيد دون قصد أثناء صيد أنواع أخرى من الأنواع البحرية، التي رُخص للشخص من الجهة المختصة بصيدها وفقاً لضوابط ومتطلبات الترخيص، باستثناء الأنواع البحرية الكبيرة وطيور البحر والطيور المائية المحددة في البندين (أولاً) و(ثامناً) من الجدول (2) من اللائحة التنفيذية.
• الغطاء النباتي: النباتات الطبيعية، سواء أكانت أعشاباً أم شجيرات أم أشجاراً. المركبات البحرية: أي مركبة بحرية عائمة، أياً كان شكلها، وسواء أكانت ثابتة أم متحركة.
• أنظمة منع التراكمات الحيوية: أي طلاء أو دهان أو معالجة سطحية أو سطح أو جهاز يُستخدم على الهيكل الخارجي للسفينة للتحكم في التصاق الكائنات غير المرغوب فيها أو منعه.
• التدهور البيئي: الضرر الجسيم الذي يلحق بالبيئة بسبب استنزاف الموارد الطبيعية، أو تدمير الموائل، أو انقراض الأنواع الفطرية، أو تلوث الأوساط البيئية، أو تدهور جودة الهواء أو المياه أو التربة.
• التعويض: مبلغ مالي يدفعه الشخص المتسبب في الضرر أو التلوث أو التدهور البيئي، لجبر التدهور الناتج عن ذلك الضرر أو التلوث أو التدهور البيئي أو إزالته. ويشمل التعويض نفقات التأهيل في حال عدم قيام الشخص المتسبب في الضرر أو التلوث أو التدهور البيئي بأعمال التأهيل.
• التأهيل البيئي: أي إجراء يُنفذ في موقع متدهور بيئياً أو متأثر بضرر أو تلوث بيئي، لإعادة حالته الطبيعية من التوازن البيئي، وفقاً للمعايير التي تحددها الجهة المختصة.
• **المواد السائلة: **أي مادة سائلة أو زيتية تلوث البيئة.

First: The National Center for Environmental Compliance

Without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the National Center for Environmental Compliance stipulated in its mandate, the Center shall undertake tasks related to control and monitoring of environmental compliance with the aim of protecting the marine and coastal environment from degradation and pollution, in addition to preventing damage thereto within its jurisdiction, including:

• (1) Developing and implementing a program for periodically monitoring pollution of the marine and coastal environment, monitoring indicators of the quality of the environmental media and protecting it from degradation, pollution, and damage, in coordination with the national environmental centers and other relevant authorities.

  (2) Publishing reports on indicators of the quality of the environmental media - in accordance with the jurisdiction - on government websites or other appropriate means, as specified by the Ministry.

  (3) Developing environmental controls and requirements related to anti-fouling systems that resist adhesion of impurities in accordance with Article (5) of this Executive Regulation, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

  (4) Developing environmental controls for marine vehicles in accordance with Article (5) of this Executive Regulation.

  (5) Developing the requirements and controls for the issuance and renewal of environmental licenses and permits for activities in the marine and coastal environment.

  (6) Issuing environmental permits and licenses for activities in the marine and coastal environment - in accordance with the jurisdiction - and renewing them and collecting the dues therefor.

  (7) Developing and following up the implementation of national and local plans for preparedness and response to emergencies and potential environmental disasters in the marine and coastal environment, including oil pollution and other harmful substances, in coordination with the national environmental centers and relevant authorities, in accordance with the provisions of the Executive Regulation for Preparedness and Response to Environmental Emergencies and Disasters.

• (8) Reviewing studies of environmental impact assessment of activities in the marine and coastal environment in coordination with the National Center for Wildlife Development and the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification, each in accordance with its jurisdiction pursuant to the Executive Regulation for Environmental Permits to Establish and Operate Activities.

  (9) Inspecting, monitoring, and apprehending violations in accordance with its jurisdiction, and coordinating with the competent authority at the Ministry of Interior whenever necessary to apprehend violators.

  (10) Contributing to the development of national reports related to the quality of environmental media in the marine and coastal environment, in the field of its competence.

  (11) Developing and implementing programs for studies and research related to the quality of environmental media, in this field of its competence, in the marine and coastal environment aiming to protect it from pollution and degradation.

  (12) Regulating environmental guidance activities in relation to the protection of the marine and coastal environment from degradation and pollution, including conducting specialized courses, seminars, working sessions, and media campaigns.

  (13) Following up on the implementation of the international and regional conventions related to the protection of the marine and coastal environment from degradation and pollution that the Kingdom has ratified, and which have come into force.

  (14) Issuing accreditation certificates for anti-fouling systems in accordance with the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems in Ships.

  (15) Coordinating with the Saudi Ports Authority and the Transport General Authority to inspect ships and make the necessary environmental tests and measurements in accordance with international conventions, in addition to coordinating with the competent authority at the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs whenever necessary in relation to apprehending violators and violating marine vehicles.

Second: The National Center for Wildlife Development

Without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the National Center for Wildlife Development stipulated in its mandate, the Center shall undertake the tasks related to the protection and development of wildlife in the marine and coastal environment within its jurisdiction, including:

• (1) Developing and implementing a national plan for the protection and development of wildlife species and their habitats in the marine and coastal environment.

• (2) Taking the necessary measures to return the locally extinct or endangered wildlife species to their habitat and their natural levels.

• (3) Suggesting the locations of areas of high environmental importance in the marine and coastal environment in accordance with section (Fourth) of article (4) of this Executive Regulation.

• (4) Conducting monitoring and periodic evaluation of indicators of the state of wildlife species and their habitats in the marine and coastal environment and setting plans and programs to preserve and develop them, in coordination with the national environmental centers and other relevant authorities.

• (5) Publishing reports on indicators of the state of wildlife species and their habitats in the marine and coastal environment on government websites or other appropriate means, as specified by the Ministry.

• (6) Regulating activities related to wildlife species in the marine and coastal environment.

• (7) Regulating investment in wildlife species in the marine and coastal environment in coordination with the Ministry.

• (8) Issuing a list of marine and coastal wildlife species that are threatened with extinction.

• (9) Regulating the hunting of marine and coastal animal wildlife species and the extraction of their products and derivatives, including:

  • a. Issuing and approving lists of marine wildlife species whose hunting is prohibited

  • b. Issuing and approving lists of the types of products and derivatives of marine wildlife species whose extraction is prohibited.

  • c. Issuing and approving lists of the tools that are allowed or prohibited to be used for hunting marine animal wildlife species.

  • d. Issuing controls and requirements for the use of tools and equipment for hunting marine animal wildlife species.

  • e. Issuing, approving, and reviewing the hunting quantities of marine animal wildlife species for each species and the quotas specified for each license.

  • f. Publishing a list of sites where hunting marine wildlife species is allowed in the marine and coastal environment in coordination with the relevant authorities.

  • g. Specifying the start and end dates of the seasons during which the hunting of marine animal wildlife species is allowed, and the application of the time ban on hunting in the marine and coastal environment.

• (10) Developing and implementing programs for studies and research related to wildlife species and their habitats in the marine and coastal environment with the aim of protecting and developing them.

• (11) Regulating environmental guidance activities with regard to wildlife species and their habitats in the marine and coastal environment, including holding courses, seminars, specialized working sessions, and media campaigns.

• (12) Issuing lists of invasive and alien species, and monitoring and controlling their entry and presence in the marine and coastal environment.

• (13) Contributing to the development and review of national reports related to the status of wildlife species and their habitats in the marine and coastal environment, their development, and the threats they face.

• (14) Developing environmental requirements and controls for the issuance and renewal of environmental licenses and permits for activities - in accordance with jurisdiction - in the marine and coastal environment.

• (15) Issuing environmental permits and licenses for activities in the marine and coastal environment - in accordance with jurisdiction - and renewing them and collecting the dues therefor.

• (16) Inspecting, monitoring, and apprehending violations in accordance with its jurisdiction, and coordinating with the competent authority at the Ministry of Interior whenever necessary to apprehend violators.

• (17) Following up on the implementation of the international and regional conventions related to the wildlife species and their habitats in the marine and coastal environment that the Kingdom has ratified, and which have come into force.

• (18) Establishing environmental controls and requirements necessary for activities in the marine and coastal environment aiming to protect marine wildlife.

• (19) Reviewing the plans to rehabilitate the environments of damaged or completely or partially destroyed marine wildlife and overseeing the implementation thereof.

• (20) Monitoring invasive species in the marine and coastal environment and developing plans and programs to reduce and control them.

• (21) Monitoring, documenting, and managing the stranding of marine species and their rescue plans.

• (22) Setting environmental controls and requirements related to the anchoring of marine vehicles and developing studies to specify the permissible mooring sites and the sites for the deployment of mooring buoys in order to reduce the impact on wildlife species and their habitats such as coral reefs or any other habitats subject to damage as a result of the anchorages of marine vehicles.

• (23) Specifying safe paths for marine vehicles to pass in a way that limits the impact on coral reefs, protected areas, and habitats of marine wildlife species and their migration routes as well as areas of high environmental importance in the marine and coastal environment.

Third: The National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification

Without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the Center stipulated in its mandate, the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification shall undertake the tasks related to the lands of vegetation cover in coastal areas in accordance with the Executive Regulation for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.

First: General Provisions

1- The following activities are prohibited in the marine and coastal environment:

• A- Hunting marine wild organisms that are endangered, or whose hunting, extraction, or collection is prohibited, including their products and derivatives, except for the following:

  • 1- Activities carried out by the competent authority for the purposes of protecting and developing wildlife, including vegetation and coral reefs.
  • 2- What is hunted, extracted, or collected for scientific research purposes, pursuant to a license issued by the competent authority, in accordance with Article (Six) of the Regulation.
  • 3- Any activities exempted by the competent authority under a license issued by it.

• B- Introducing invasive or alien wild organisms into the marine and coastal environment, as determined by the lists issued by the competent authority.

• C- Damaging or harming the habitats of wild organisms and their breeding sites in the marine and coastal environment, including coral reefs, turtle nesting areas, seabird colonies, aquatic life nurseries and breeding areas, and the like.

• D- Using any prohibited fishing methods - as determined by the National Center for Wildlife - or disposing of fishing gear in the marine and coastal environment.

• E- Dropping anchors of marine vessels in locations not designated for that purpose by the competent authority, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, marine protected areas, and other sensitive marine habitats.

2- It is prohibited to undertake any action that would disrupt the natural balance of living and non-living components or impede the transfer of nutrients to wild organisms in the marine environment.

3- It is prohibited to harm, damage, or cut marine and coastal plants.

4- It is prohibited to cultivate any types of invasive or alien plants, grasses, or weeds in the marine and coastal environment.

5- It is prohibited to cultivate marine or coastal plants, grasses, or weeds in the marine and coastal environment without obtaining a license.

6- Anyone who causes the incidental capture of an endangered or prohibited wild organism must immediately release it without harming its safety, according to the guiding evidence issued by the competent authority. In case the organism dies or is harmed, the competent authority must be notified immediately, as appropriate.

7- Persons and activities must take and adhere to all measures approved by the competent authority to ensure the prevention of marine or coastal wild organisms from being detained, stranded, harmed, or threatened in a way that leads to their death, within the scope of the sites or activities under their responsibility or operational management.

8- Persons and activities must notify the National Center for Wildlife or the Public Authority for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea - as appropriate - immediately upon any endangered or prohibited marine wild organism being incidentally caught, detained, or stranded within the boundaries of their property or activity.

9- The competent authority - without prejudice to paragraph (2) of Article (Thirty-Six) of the Law - has the right to enter activity sites to exercise its statutory powers and verify the safety of marine and coastal wild organisms (plant or animal). Inspectors of the competent authority must not be prevented from entering activity sites or obstructed in performing their duties.

Second: Regulations on the Use of Means and Equipment for Hunting Marine Wild Animal Organisms

1- It is prohibited to use any means or equipment to hunt, extract, or collect marine wild animal organisms, including their products or derivatives, if such means or equipment are prohibited or restricted under decisions or lists issued by the competent authority.

2- It is prohibited to use any fishing means or equipment that has been modified or used in a manner contrary to the approved regulations and conditions or that causes harm to marine wildlife or their habitats, even if such means are not prohibited per se.

3- Hunting, collecting, or extracting marine wild animal organisms or any of their products or derivatives is considered a violation if done using prohibited means or equipment or in prohibited areas or periods, even if done unintentionally, within the scope of regulatory responsibility, without prejudice to the provisions of Article (Eight) or the violation schedules in the Regulation.

4- It is prohibited to use fishing, collecting, or extracting means during periods or seasons determined by the competent authority to protect breeding, nesting, or growth seasons of wild organisms.

5- Subject to paragraph (1), the use of spearguns for hunting marine wild animal organisms is prohibited in coral reef areas or marine reserves, and their use elsewhere is restricted according to the regulations and conditions set by the competent authority.

6- It is prohibited to hunt marine wild animal organisms using explosives, toxic, or narcotic substances.

7- Mere possession of means or equipment is not considered a violation unless accompanied by acts or objective indications that show intent to use them for hunting, collecting, or extracting, or using them in a manner contrary to the provisions of this Regulation.

Third: Regulations on Interaction with Marine Wild Organisms in Their Natural Environment

Without prejudice to the provisions of the Implementing Regulation for the Protection of Wild Organisms under the Environmental Law, it is prohibited for persons to do the following:

• 1- Interact with marine wild organisms, except for the types, locations, and purposes determined by the competent authority and after obtaining the necessary prior licenses.
• 2- Interact with wild organisms without observing environmental regulations and conditions, the nature and behavior of the living organism, and the impact resulting from such interaction.

1- Without prejudice to the Kingdom’s obligations under international agreements related to the marine and coastal environment to which it is a party, the regulations and laws issued by the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and taking into account the jurisdiction assigned by law to the supervising authority, the following actions are prohibited:

• A- Using any antifouling systems harmful to the marine environment.
• B- Violating the provisions and regulations established by law, or the controls and conditions set by the competent authority regarding the discharge, disposal, or dumping into the marine and coastal environment of any pollutants resulting from ballast water, cargo residues, various types of waste, and liquid components.
• C- Failure to comply with the standards, specifications, and controls related to waste disposal in accordance with relevant international agreements.
• D- Damaging, removing, defacing, disabling, altering, unauthorized use of, or trespassing in any form on any facilities, systems, equipment, or mooring buoys belonging to the competent authority, or those placed for protection or monitoring purposes within the marine or coastal environment.
• E- Dropping anchors in coral reef areas, seagrass areas, and prohibited locations designated by the competent authority in coordination with the supervising authority.
• F- Mooring or navigating marine vessels in areas designated by the competent authority in the marine and coastal environment, in coordination with the supervising authority, except in emergency cases caused by weather conditions or technical malfunction, or when conducting life or property rescue operations, or with prior approval from the competent authority.
• G- Violating any of the environmental permit controls and conditions related to activities involving the installation, removal, or disposal of antifouling systems.

2- The competent authority, in coordination with the supervising authority, may request preliminary testing before discharging ballast water into the marine and coastal environment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia whenever it suspects that such water was loaded from seas outside the Kingdom’s territorial waters or regionally designated areas, to verify its compliance with the standards and limits established by law regarding living organisms.

3- Marine vessels compelled to moor or navigate in areas designated by the competent authority in the marine and coastal environment, in coordination with the supervising authority, must comply with the following:

• A- Notify the competent authority immediately upon the necessity to moor or navigate in those areas.
• B- Clarify the reason for presence in these areas and state the emergency situation faced by the marine vessel.
• C- Refrain from harming natural resources, organisms, or wildlife in those areas.
• D- Refrain from disposing of solid waste, liquid waste, or ballast water.
• E- Take all possible and necessary measures to protect the environmental surroundings in the mentioned areas, notify the National Center for Environmental Compliance immediately upon knowledge of any oil spill or other harmful substances, or loss of any cargo from the marine vessel in the area, and take possible measures to contain pollution and mitigate its effects.
• F- Leave the area immediately once the reason for mooring or navigation ceases to exist.

4- Marine vessels must immediately notify the competent authority—according to the mechanism determined in coordination with the supervising authority—of any collision or incidental contact with coral reefs or any marine wildlife. This notification is considered voluntary disclosure, and the competent authority shall handle it according to the approved mechanism, without prejudice to the application of relevant laws.

5- Failure to report any incident resulting in environmental damage, or contact or collision with marine wildlife, constitutes an independent violation subject to the penalties prescribed in the regulation or other executive regulations of the Environmental Law.

6- Marine vessels designated by the competent authority must keep a special logbook recording at least the preventive measures and emergency plans related to pollution prevention, retain the logbook in accordance with the controls approved in international agreements and relevant laws, and provide a copy to the competent authority upon request.

First: General Provisions

1- It is prohibited for all persons to carry out any activities that have an impact on environmental media in the marine and coastal environment without obtaining an environmental permit from the National Center for Environmental Compliance in accordance with the Implementing Regulation for Environmental Permits for the establishment and operation of activities, without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the supervising authority, including but not limited to the following:

• A- Uprooting rocks and gravel.
• B- Removal of beach sands and marine sediments.
• C- Carrying out reclamation, excavation, dredging, or beach restoration works.
• D- Establishing or removing breakwaters, sea walls, and any structures that alter the natural coastline.
• E- Establishing or removing permanent or temporary marine platforms.
• F- Carrying out any coastal construction or demolition works.
• G- Exploration and prospecting activities.
• H- Marine and coastal tourism activities.
• I- Conventional and renewable energy activities.
• J- Coastal and marine mining activities.
• K- Transport and port activities.
• L- Fish farming activities or any marine investment projects.
• M- Discharge of treated wastewater.
• N- Establishing mooring buoys for marine vessels or changing their locations.
• O- Organizing competitions or marine sports activities involving motorized vessels.
• P- Scientific or research activities related to studying the quality of environmental media in the marine or coastal environment.

2- No change in the natural coastline, even if licensed or exceptionally authorized, shall result in any modification in the application of the Environmental Law provisions, or the jurisdictions or obligations stipulated under the regulation.

3- It is prohibited for persons to carry out any activities related to wildlife and their habitats without obtaining a license from the National Center for Wildlife Development or the institution—each according to its jurisdiction—without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the supervising authority, including the following:

• A- Hunting, extracting, or collecting marine wildlife or their products or derivatives permitted for hunting, extraction, or collection.
• B- Collecting or transporting coral reefs.
• C- Cultivating or deploying artificial coral reefs in the marine environment.
• D- Transporting, cultivating, or establishing coral nurseries.
• E- Breeding, developing, and rehabilitating wildlife and coral reefs.
• F- Scientific and research activities related to wildlife in the marine and coastal environment.
• G- Tourism activities related to marine wildlife shows.
• H- Activities related to interaction with marine wildlife in their natural habitats.
• I- Competitions and marine sports activities that do not involve motorized vessels.
• J- Any other related activities determined and announced by the competent authority according to the adopted procedures.

4- All persons must obtain a license from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification for activities contributing to the development of vegetation cover in the coastal environment, including mangrove trees, in accordance with the Implementing Regulation for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification.

Second: Procedures for Obtaining Environmental Licenses Related to the Marine and Coastal Environment

1- The competent authority shall determine the controls, conditions, procedures, and requirements for obtaining the licenses it issues pursuant to the provisions of this regulation.

2- The competent authority shall decide on license applications that fulfill all required data, documents, and papers within thirty (30) working days from the date of fulfilling all related requirements, and the period may be extended by ten (10) additional working days if necessary.

3- The license shall be issued including its validity period and any controls or conditions set by the competent authority.

4- The financial fee shall be collected by the competent authority before issuing or renewing the license.

5- The competent authority may reject the application for issuing or renewing the environmental license for the activity, provided that the rejection is justified. The applicant may submit an objection regarding the rejection decision to the competent authority—each according to its jurisdiction—accompanied by all supporting documents. The center shall decide on the objection within thirty (30) working days from the date of submitting the objection request.

6- The permit holder and licensee must comply with the controls and conditions of the environmental permit or license issued by the competent authority.

7- Coastal and marine activities and projects, based on Article (8) of the law, must comply—if requested by the competent authority based on the nature of the activity or project or its environmental risk level—with the installation, operation, and maintenance of environmental monitoring devices or systems necessary to monitor the quality of marine and coastal environmental media, early detection of leaks, and monitoring the condition of wildlife and coral reefs, according to the technical controls and conditions set by the competent authority, including in particular the following:

• A- Activities of extraction or exploration of minerals, oil, and gas.
• B- Coastal infrastructure and energy production activities.
• C- Coastal and marine tourism activities.
• D- Fish farming and marine fishing activities.
• E- Marine transport and port activities.
• F- Other activities with environmental impact on the coastal and marine environment as determined by the competent authority.

Third: Disclosure of Environmental Risks and Regulatory Measures to Protect Wildlife

1- Activities must commit, when applying for the environmental permit, to fully disclose any potential risks or impacts on wildlife and their habitats, including those that may arise during the implementation or operation of the activity during breeding, migration, or rearing seasons, within the environmental impact assessment study, environmental management plan, and environmental audit study.

2- If the National Center for Wildlife Development or the institution—according to the circumstances—finds through reviewing studies, scientific data, or environmental monitoring results, the existence of serious environmental risks to wildlife or their habitats that were not addressed or sufficiently treated in the environmental impact assessment study, environmental management plan, or environmental audit study, each within its jurisdiction may take the necessary measures to obligate the permit holder to take the necessary measures to prevent, reduce, or mitigate those risks, in coordination with the National Center for Environmental Compliance, without prejudice to the application of penalties prescribed by law.

3- The competent authority may decide to restrict, suspend, or temporarily stop—after prior coordination with the supervising authority—whenever it is proven that continuing the activity may cause serious environmental harm to wildlife or their habitats, within the narrowest possible spatial and temporal scope, after notifying the facility of the reasons, unless immediate intervention is necessary to avert a serious environmental danger.

4- The restriction, suspension, or temporary stoppage referred to in paragraph (3) shall not be considered a punitive measure but shall be taken as a regulatory precautionary measure to protect wildlife and their habitats, and it shall consider enabling compliant facilities to regularize their status whenever possible.

Fourth: Special Provisions for Licensing the Hunting of Permitted Marine Wildlife

1- The license to hunt marine wildlife is considered a personal license and may not be used or transferred to another person.

2- The license applicant must not have been proven to have committed two or more violations of the relevant provisions of the Environmental Law, and no more than two (2) years must have passed since the date of the last decision issued regarding the last violation.

3- The National Center for Wildlife Development shall decide on license applications within ten (10) working days from the date of fulfilling all related requirements, and the center may extend the period by five (5) additional working days if necessary.

4- The hunting license shall be issued including at least the following data:

• A- The national ID number or residence number of the licensee, and their address.
• B- Types of marine wildlife animals permitted to be hunted.
• C- Allowed fishing means and equipment, limited according to the nature of the marine wildlife animals to be hunted.
• D- Quantities of marine wildlife animals permitted to be hunted.
• E- The area permitted for hunting.
• F- The validity period of the license, not exceeding one (1) year from the date of issuance.

5- The center may cancel the hunting license if the person does not comply with the regulation and the controls and conditions of the license, without prejudice to the application of penalties prescribed by law.

Fifth: Special Provisions for Licensing Scientific, Research, and Resource Collection Activities in the Marine and Coastal Environment

1- Persons must obtain an environmental license from the competent authority before practicing any scientific, research, resource collection, and sampling activities related to the environment and living and non-living wildlife in the marine and coastal environment.

2- The licensee must comply with the relevant environmental controls and conditions set by the competent authority.

3- Persons must obtain an environmental license from the competent authority before establishing any fixed or mobile environmental monitoring networks to monitor the quality of environmental media or monitor the condition of wildlife or coral reefs or detect leaks, and comply with the controls and conditions set by the authority. Establishing or installing environmental monitoring networks is exempted when required to obtain the environmental permit for activities determined by the competent authority.

4- In case of intending to send samples outside the Kingdom, a copy of the agreement concluded between the exporting and importing parties must be submitted within the license application documents, including the determination of legal and intellectual ownership of research results and mechanisms for handling samples after the research is completed, taking into account the international obligations to which the Kingdom is a party.

5- The licensee is committed to taking the minimum necessary samples to achieve the purposes of the study or research, as determined by the competent authority or approved within the license conditions, ensuring no harm, permanent change, or long-term environmental impact contrary to the controls, standards, or conditions approved by the competent authority on wildlife or their habitats.

6- The duration of the license for scientific and research activities within the marine coastal environment shall be consistent with the duration of the study or research.

7- The National Center for Wildlife Development or the institution—according to the circumstances—shall issue licenses for hunting or collecting marine wildlife or their products or derivatives for scientific and research purposes, and if released alive, this shall be done according to the approved environmental controls and conditions.

8- Publishing any data, reports, or studies related to the marine and coastal environment is prohibited without obtaining written approval from the Ministry.