Based on the Aquatic Living Resources Law promulgated by Royal Decree 20/2019,
and in pursuance of public interest,
it is hereby decided
Article I
Hunting and gathering of abalone is hereby banned during the fishing seasons of 2022 and 2023.
Possessing, preparing, and dealing of abalone during the aforementioned ban period is also hereby banned. Dealing includes transportation, sale, purchase, and export, and all associated activity relating to the hunting and circulation of abalone.
Article II
The quantities of abalone hunted in the seasons prior to the issuance of this decision registered with the fisheries directorates of the ministry are exempt from the ban stipulated in the second paragraph of article I of this decision. Such quantities shall be dealt with by virtue of permits issued by the competent authority to the concerned parties.
Article III
This decision shall be published in the Official Gazette, and comes into force on the day following the date of its publication.
Issued on: 10 Jumada Al-Awwal 1444
Corresponding to: 4 December 2022
Dr Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al-Habsi
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources
Published in Official Gazette 1471 issued on 11 December 2022.