Royal Decree No. M/9 of 1987 (1408 Higra) issuing the Cabinet Resolution No.14 of 1987 approving the Act on Fishing, exploitation, and protection of the marine life in the territorial waters of Saudi Arabia.

The 17 articles of the Decree are placed under four headings: Practice of Fishing and Diving Professions (arts. 1-7); Conservation of Living Aquatic Resources (arts. 8-11); Offences and penalties (arts. 12-14); Final Provisions (arts. 15-17). Fishing, diving, marine life protection, exploitation and development, fishing gear development, definition of marine fishing zones, marine culture, protected species and research are of the competence of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waters (art. 1). No one shall practice the profession of fishing or diving in the Territorial Waters of the Kingdom without a licence issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water under the conditions regulating the granting and withdrawal of licences (art. 2). Uprooting and cutting trees and plants from the coast and islands, as well as the transportation of soil, birds and turtle eggs without authorization are prohibited (art. 6). In each fishing zone there shall be elected a Head of Fishermen and be created a local committee composed of the Head of Fishermen, a provincial and a ministerial representative. Powers of the Head of Fishermen shall be determined by the Minister. The committee shall examine disputes arising between fishermen of the district. Article 8 provides for the export of fish, article 9 for fishing by foreign vessels. Violation, fines and penalties (arts. 8-10). The Minister of Agriculture and Waters will issue the Implementing Regulation (art. 12).