Future activities of more than 3,000 boats in the Arabian Gulf are under threat from a new law just introduced in the Eastern Province.

Boat owners have been told that it is now mandatory that they employ at least one Saudi in every boat that is 12 metres long or more, reports Arab News. Fishing boats with a length of 12 metres or more will not be allowed to go out to sea unless at least one Saudi is employed onboard. Shrimp fishing will also be restricted only to boat owners who are already in the business.
Another provision is that boat owners can only sell their fishing boats two years after their licenses are issued, according to sources, but owners will be allowed to swop their six metre boats for new boats of 12 metres or longer. Owners can buy a 12 metre boat after cancelling the licenses of two smaller boats.
Fishermen say that the new decision comes at a time when there is not a single Saudi with the appropriate experience in fishing or operating boats.
Border Guards are stopping 450 boats from fishing under the new regulations.