French Anchoring Regulations: Posidonia

Posidonia seagrass is an underwater plant found growing in the Mediterranean Sea amid coastline and 25-metre (85-foot) depths. It is one of the oldest living beings on earth, living up to 100,000 years, and is paramount to the underwater ecosystems by providing important sources of oxygen.

A recent change in French law now affects where yachts and superyachts over 24m (78ft) will be able to anchor in order to protect the Posidonia and other endangered marine species. New regulations ensure that wildlife must not be damaged due to boating activities.

Thierry Voisin, president of Comité Européen pour le Yachting professionnel (ECPY), has been consulting with the relevant authorities to make sure changes will not cause significant or irreparable damage to the yachting industry - a community that it wholeheartedly supports.

Yachting Pages outlines everything you need to know about the protection of Posidonia in France and the effect it will have on superyachts coming to the area in future. See below for a map of the Posidonia anchorage decrees for yachts in French waters.

Map of Posidonia anchoring decrees

Showing 8 of 8 results
by Annabelle Fox on July 13, 2023
Joint declaration signed to promote Alliance Posidonia’s preservation of Posidonia in the Med
by Annabelle Fox on July 13, 2023
On Thursday 29th June 2023 in Marseille, France, public and private organisations signed a joint declaration to formalise the creation of Alliance Posidonia, which aims to raise awareness and preserve the Mediterranean’s Posidonia plants.... Read full article
by Hannah Rankine on April 04, 2023
Underwater lights and noise regulations for superyachts in the South of France
by Hannah Rankine on April 04, 2023
Discover the regulations surrounding the use of underwater lights and noise pollution for superyachts in the South of France and Corsica.... Read full article
by Hannah Rankine on March 01, 2023
What are the French laws on anchoring around Posidonia seagrass?
by Hannah Rankine on March 01, 2023
A recent change in French law now affects where yachts will be able to anchor in order to protect the Posidonia and other endangered marine species. Find out all the information you need here.... Read full article
by Hannah Rankine on January 12, 2023
Mooring buoys: Helping superyachts protect Posidonia seagrass
by Hannah Rankine on January 12, 2023
As part of the ongoing efforts to protect the Posidonia seagrass around the French coast, the decision has been made to install mooring buoys for superyachts in key areas in the South of France.... Read full article
by Hannah Rankine on January 10, 2023
What is Posidonia seagrass?
by Hannah Rankine on January 10, 2023
There are now restrictions as to where yachts can anchor in the South of France to protect Posidonia. But what is Posidonia? And why is it so important? Find out here on Yachting Pages.... Read full article
by Hannah Rankine on August 09, 2022
New French laws introduced to further protect Posidonia seagrass
by Hannah Rankine on August 09, 2022
French government office Préfecture Maritime de la Méditerranée has issued a new anchoring decree (131/2022) to further protect the Mediterranean’s most vital ecosystem: Posidonia seagrass.... Read full article
by Nathan Bees on August 09, 2022
What is the Mediterranean Posidonia Network?
by Nathan Bees on August 09, 2022
What is the Mediterranean Posidonia Network and why is it important? We explore what the MPN is and the vital role it plays in protecting Posidonia seagrass.... Read full article
by Hannah Rankine on March 31, 2022
Posidonia seagrass: Have your say on the French anchoring regulations
by Hannah Rankine on March 31, 2022
Yachting Pages has partnered with the French Office for Biodiversity to create a survey for captains in order to better understand their thoughts on the new French anchoring regulations around Posidonia seagrass implemented in summer 2021.... Read full article

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