Mashari Mohammad Marzouq’s transformation from a fisherman to a marine ranger highlights Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve’s impact on both people and the environment.

On the shores of the Red Sea, where the waves gently lap against the coast of Al Wajh, Mashari Mohammad Marzouq, known as “Abu Nayef” (father of Nayef, his eldest son), has always felt a deep connection to the sea. Growing up in this coastal town, Mashari spent countless hours fishing, swimming, and exploring the vibrant marine life. “The sea was more than just a place to earn a living; it was my playground and sanctuary,” he recalls.

Mashari’s journey began in 2007 when he took to the sea as a fisherman. For years, he relied on the sea’s bounty to support his family. But as time went on, he started to see the impacts of overfishing and other harmful practices. His love for the sea and his hometown drove him to seek a way to give back to the environment that had given him so much.

His opportunity came when he learned about the Reserve through a job advertisement that promised more than just employment. “I learned about the Reserve through a job ad. They said it was to develop the country,” he recalls. This chance allowed him to combine his livelihood with his passion for the sea, marking the beginning of his transformation from a fisherman to a marine ranger.

As Mashari embraced his new role, his views on conservation began to change. “I used to fish without caring about coral reefs or some fish, and we did other wrong practices,” he admits. His work with the Reserve taught him the importance of conserving the environment. “Now, my view has changed to protecting the environment. The things we did wrong could have ended natural life for things like coral reefs,” he states.

The marine area comprises almost 20% of the Reserve, covering approximately 4,000 square kilometers of the Red Sea ecosystem. This stretches along a 170 km coastline and extends 23 km out to sea, up to the edge of Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters. Protecting this vital area is a key part of our mandate. We work closely with the Border Guards, the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), and the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC). These partnerships are crucial for effective law enforcement and environmental protection.

As part of his daily duties, Mashari patrols the shoreline to record turtle landings, protects turtle nesting sites within special cages, and checks for signs of oil or chemical spills. He also reports the deaths of turtles, dolphins, and other marine life to the NCW Fisheries Department and alerts the Border Guards about illegal activities like spearfishing, netting, and hunting along the coastline. Additionally, he monitors livestock to keep them out of coastal sanctuaries like Alamoud and Zubeidah with support from the Special Forces for Environmental Security (SFES).

One of Mashari’s most meaningful experiences came from a lesson learned the hard way. While trying to catch a large Najil fish, he accidentally struck a coral reef. “If I could go back in time, I would save the coral instead of catching the fish,” he reflects. This incident highlighted the delicate nature of marine ecosystems and deepened his resolve to protect them.

To handle the challenges of marine conservation, Mashari and his team undergo rigorous training. They are being certified in sea search and rescue and will soon become certified skippers, ensuring safe and effective operations at sea. This training not only improves their skills but also builds their confidence. Joint patrols with the NCW Fisheries Department are part of the training where they learn about fisheries permit checks and seamanship.

Mashari’s work with the Reserve has not only transformed his livelihood but also strengthened his relationship with Al Wajh. The Reserve’s efforts to protect the local environment have given him a renewed sense of responsibility towards his community. “As we understood the value of the Reserve and its protection of nature, I feel in the future it will be something we as Saudis and locals of the region can be proud of,” he asserts. Looking forward, Mashari dreams of the day when their work becomes a global model for conservation. “I see the Reserve not just as a project but as a movement—one that inspires stewardship within the local community and beyond.”

Mashari’s story shows the power of dedication and change. His transformation from a fisherman to a marine ranger mirrors the broader goals of the Reserve—to transform not only the environment but also inspire the people who call it home. Through his eyes, we glimpse a future where nature and humanity coexist harmoniously. His message to the world is clear: “Together, we can protect our natural heritage for present and future generations.”