Article 21 of the Saudi Environment Law

This article opens the provisions on the marine and coastal environment, and contains three paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 - Harmful works: Anything that would harm the marine and coastal environment and its living and non-living components is prohibited. This includes the following when carried out without a permit or license:

• Digging, filling, dredging and construction works.
• Prospecting, exploration and exploitation.
• Conducting research.

So even scientific research in this environment needs a permit or license as the regulations set out.

Paragraph 2 - Harmful substances and tools: Using any substance or tool that is environmentally harmful to the marine and coastal environment, or bringing it into it or taking it out of it, is prohibited without a permit or license as the regulations set out.

Paragraph 3 - The list: The competent authority is the one that sets the list of the substances and tools referred to in paragraph 2; anyone who wants to know what falls within the prohibition should refer to it.

The competent authority under Article 1 includes the General Authority for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, according to its jurisdiction. It is followed by Article 22, which requires an operator of marine transport means to keep a record of pollution prevention measures. Owners of coastal projects can consult a lawyer specialized in environmental laws.