2024-08-18 09:00:13
Collection is banned to protect coastlines and beaches
The law is clear about prohibiting the collection of sand from beaches. Its collection is considered an attack on the marine public domain and such an act can lead to coastal erosion. However, it tolerates “windblown sand” that is blown away from the beach by the wind. Excessive collection of empty shells is also regulated as it has the same negative impact on the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, with pebble cairns making a comeback, collecting them could be heavily penalised under laws – with fines of up to €1,500 – to protect coastlines from waves and erosion..
Variable regulation, depending on withdrawal type
The law does not treat all forms of beach collection equally. Cutting down marine coastal plants in order to protect these unique plant species is severely condemned – with a fine of up to €150,000 for “undermining the protection of non-cultivated plant species” – and collecting polished wood at the water’s edge and releasing it onto the beach waves is not regulated in any way.. In addition, the collection of ground glass is even encouraged as it contributes to the sanitation of the beach. Finally, the harvesting of live shellfish depends largely on municipal regulations and the regulations may vary from department to department.
It is important to remember that compliance with these regulations protects the “marine markers” composed of the sediments left by the ocean after the tides. The coastline is a real host of micro-ecosystems that shelter numerous microorganisms that live in the sand and participate in its protection. That is why a better understanding and strict application of these regulations are necessary to protect the French coastline.
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