DAMMAM: Border Guard marine patrols impounded five cruisers Tuesday after 15 Arab fishermen were caught using illegal nets in a no-fishing zone near Qatif harbor, according to authorities. Local fishermen, one of whom praised the swift action taken against the suspects, tipped off the patrols. “The immediate response is a good step in the process of eliminating these illegal actions,” said Ridha Al-Faradan. Abdullah Atiq, another local fisherman, said the illegal fishing was conducted near the shore, in shallow water. Banned nets are available for purchase on the local market, said Mansour Fandam, who fishes in the area. A one-layer net costs about SR2,500, while those with three different-measurement layers range from SR3,500 to 4,000, he said. “The multi-layer nets prevent small fish from passing through or getting away when they caught,” he said. The Borders Guards' Legal Affairs Committee will soon look into the situation and may levy fines, based on previous violations registered to each boat and fisher, officials said. People who have committed their first violation will be required to write an undertaking. Repeat offenders face fines of SR1,000 to SR10,000, confiscation of their fishing equipment and seizure of their boats for up to a week, officials said.
