The time has come to return home. Before you pack your bags, you rush to the sea to replenish your favorite beach memories. Pebbles, shells and white sand. But before you line your pockets, have you ever wondered if you’re eligible? Focus on what the laws say and what you need to know before enjoying the beach.
Sable, a fine of up to 1,500 euros
In France, it is forbidden to collect sand from the beach. The environmental code considers its collection an attack on the marine public domain, weakening the coasts. Article L.321-8 states that “Extraction of materials […] the risk of directly or indirectly endangering the integrity of beaches, coastal dunes, rocks, marshes.. Its unwarranted collection, sometimes for commercial purposes, is also subject to a fine of up to €1,500. That’s it for theory. In practice, the authorities still tolerate its collection when it is done in small quantities. Sand blown by the wind from the beach onto sidewalks or pavements, also called “wind sand”, this article of the law does not apply. It is perfectly legal to collect it.
Pebbles carefully and shells sparingly
Same with pebbles and shells. As a matter of principle, the law forbids collecting them at the risk of disrupting the marine public domain. As with sand, the Environmental Code provides for a fine of up to 1,500 euros. And for good reason, the pebbles protect fauna and flora from swelling and erosion, while the shells, when they break down into sand, provide essential minerals for some animals and plants. Authorities may still tolerate their collection in small quantities.
Driftwood, no rules, but…
Driftwood is part of what is called “Coast” which, as its name suggests, means what is left of the sea, according to the movement of the waves, ebbs and flows. It forms a zone where living elements such as fish bones, algae, dead wood, sponges and debris from human activities, plastics, pieces of fishing nets, etc. are deposited. Except in nature reserves, where nothing can be collected, there are no official regulations regarding the collection of litter. However, in order to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the shores, it is preferable not to bring it back or to collect it in a reasonable amount.
Do not touch flowers and plants
Another memory of the beach that regularly attracts tourists are the flowers and plants that decorate the shore. Except that they are all protected in France. It is strictly forbidden to cut them. Violating this rule can result in a fine of up to €150,000 “damage to the conservation of non-cultivated plant species”..
What about molluscs?
For health and/or environmental reasons, it will be necessary to obtain information from various municipalities before collecting shellfish on the beach. Indeed, some sites are protected or banned. Others impose a precise harvest calendar, limited sizes, adjustable tools, or even quotas.
And outside?
France is on the same line as its neighbors. In Italy, for example, it is forbidden to bring back souvenirs from the beach. In August 2019, two French nationals were arrested in Sardinia when they tried to leave the island with 40 kilograms of sand in the trunk of their car. A crime for which the couple faces up to six years in prison. Other examples: In Iceland and the Galapagos Islands, regulations also provide for penalties of up to imprisonment. We touch with our eyes!
Published August 2021, this article is being updated
Source: Le Figaro
