#3 of 6-Part Blog Series dedicated to the protection of Posidonia and seagrass meadows from the detrimental effects of dragging anchors.
As a company committed to marine conservation, we believe that raising awareness and educating the yachting community about responsible anchoring practices is vital. By starting this series on World Ocean Day, we aim to highlight the importance of protecting our oceans and the delicate ecosystems within them. Throughout this series, we will explore various aspects of Posidonia protection, including regulations, communication strategies, international efforts, and technological innovations.
Join us on this journey as we delve into the measures needed to safeguard these underwater treasures and ensure the sustainability of our marine environments.
From Croatia to Türkiye:
A Guide to Posidonia Regulations
Posidonia oceanica serves as a vital habitat for over 400 plant and 1,000 animal species. This remarkable seagrass is essential for maintaining ecological balance and oxygenating coastal waters. However, its slow growth rate of merely 1 centimetre annually renders it highly vulnerable to damage.
Recognising its ecological significance, Posidonia seagrass meadows are protected under a multi-tiered framework of international, European and national legislation. 1
These measures aim to conserve natural habitats and maintain biodiversity.
Key international protections include:
- RAMSAR Convention
- BERN Convention (Annex 1)
- Barcelona Convention (Annex 2)
European Union Directives encompassing Posidonia protection:
- EU Habitats, Fauna and Flora Directive (92/43/EEC, Annex 1)
- EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC)
- EU Common Fisheries Policy (2006)
- EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/CE)
These regulations clarify safe anchoring zones, restricted areas, and guidelines for responsible anchoring practices to minimise environmental impact. Adherence to these policies represents an active commitment to preserving the marine environments that are integral to the yachting experience.
It’s important to note that regulations vary by country and specific location. For instance, France focuses on the vessel’s position, while other countries may employ different approaches.
Our overview of key anchorage regulations in Mediterranean and Adriatic countries provides essential guidance for understanding these diverse regulatory landscapes.
Croatia
Posidonia oceanica is a protected species in Croatia under the Nature Protection Act.
The Nature Protection Act prohibits anchoring with boat anchors within protected areas and is regulated by Article 139, which prohibits the anchoring and/or mooring of vessels outside of the areas determined by the spatial plan and the legislation of the state authority competent for inland navigation in the protected areas if said protected area is located within an inland waterway, as well as the mooring of vessels outside of the areas defined as harbours in the spatial plan if the protected area is located within the maritime domain.
Article 153 of the Nature Protection Act prohibits “the picking, cutting, felling, excavating, collecting or destroying the individuals of strictly protected plants, fungi, lichens and algae from nature in their natural distribution range.”
The Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (MPPI) provides an official Concession List for licensed Nautical Anchorages in Croatia. You can access the maps here: https://mmpi.gov.hr/more/nautika/sidrista-maps/13821
The Ministry also offers a Nautical Information Service (nIS), a free multilingual smartphone application with information on anchorages and ports.
Cyprus
Apart from the international conventions and directives, Cyprus does not have specific national legislation concerning the protection of Posidonia oceanica. The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008), which aims to protect the marine ecosystem and biodiversity, incorporates monitoring programs based on seaweeds and seagrass, while the EU Water Framework Directive (2000), which aims to assess the ecological status of waterbodies, uses Posidonia oceanica as an element of biological quality (bio indicator).
However, Cyprus has designated marine protected areas (MPAs) that have prohibitions on fishing, vessel passage and anchorage. More information is here: https://www.moa.gov.cy/moa/dfmr/dfmr.nsf/page19_en/page19_en?OpenDocument
France
French regulations prohibit anchoring on Posidonia and all restricted zones are clearly indicated on Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine (SHOM) charts. France employs patrols and surveillance systems to ensure compliance. Captains may incur large fines, imprisonment or bans from French waters for infractions.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the official resources provided by the Préfecture Maritime de la Méditerranée and use applications like Donia and Nav & Co, which are constantly updated with new regulations. 2
Greece
Posidonia oceanica is protected in Greece under various national laws and international commitments, though none are specifically focused on anchoring restrictions:
- Law n° 3937/2011 on Biodiversity Conservation.
- Decision 31722/2011 on Spatial Planning for aquaculture.
- Decision 167378/2007 implementing EU regulations on fishery resource management.
- Joint Ministerial Decision 33318/3028 on conservation of natural habitats and wild flora/fauna.
- Law 4607 (Official Journal 65/A/2019) defines the process for issuing permits and installing moorings.
Some MPAs, like the Gyaros, have installed eco-moorings to regulate anchoring and preserve Posidonia seagrass meadows.
Italy
Italy has not passed further national laws for the protection of Posidonia oceanica, however the Italian Coast Guard actively monitors compliance of the international commitments and directives above.
An important regulation implementing Directive 92/43/EEC is found here: https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/rete_natura_2000/D.P.R._120_del_12_marzo_2003.PDF
Italy has a number of MPA’s and Natura 2000 zones dedicated to protecting Posidonia and marine habitats. 3 It’s worth mentioning that several popular yachting regions within Italian MPAs have anchorage restrictions and offer buoy fields such as the Portofino MPA and Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
Malta
Besides the international Conventions and the Habitats, Fauna and Flora Directive and Water Framework Directive above, Malta has national regulations for berthing permissions and for special areas of conservation for flora and fauna. 4
More information is at the Environment & Resources Authority: https://era.org.mt/legislation-policy/acts/
Monaco
The RAMOGE Agreement, which includes France, Italy, and Monaco, emphasises protecting these meadows. 5
Posidonia is also protected at national level within the framework of the Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 pertaining to the use of biological resources. Protection of Posidonia meadows is also referenced in the Code de la Mer (Code of the Sea) in particular Article 244-8, and Article 0.244-14. 6
Spain
Posidonia oceanica meadows are protected at national level according to Royal Decree 12/7/1995, BOE n° 310, and there are regional laws in place such as in Andalucía, Catalonia (Order 91.210.098 (Diari Oficial de la Generalitat de Catalunya – DOGC no. 1479, page 4395, dated 8/12/1991 where all species of marine phanerogams present on the coast are protected) and Valencia – Law 5/2017 of February 10 specifies that marine aquaculture is not authorised in areas with bionomic funds such as seagrass meadows. https://www.boe.es/buscar/pdf/2017/BOE-A-2017-2424-consolidado.pdf
Balearic Islands: The Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera protected area is home to one of the largest Posidonia reefs in both Spain and the Mediterranean. In response to the need for conservation, the Balearic Government implemented anchoring regulations since 2018 to safeguard these seagrass meadows, imposing significant fines for violations.
To view the designated Balearic Islands anchoring zones, please visit: Balearic Posidonia Cartography. 7
The anchoring zones are categorised as follows:
- Red Areas: These regions contain existing Posidonia growth and are strictly off-limits for anchoring.
- Yellow Areas: These are designated for potential Posidonia development and are also prohibited for anchoring.
There are nine coastal buoy fields established throughout the Balearic Islands, located at:
- Formentera: S’Espalmador-Bdua de s’Alga, Es Calò de s’Oli
- Ibiza: Platja de Ses Salines
- Mallorca: Cala Blava-Cap Blanc, Sant Elm, Formentor
- Menorca: Illa d’en Colom-Cala Tamarells, Badia Fornells
To preserve the seagrass, yachts are required to utilise the designated mooring buoys in these nine zones. For information on how to book a mooring, please visit: Port of Ibiza Mooring Reservations.
Türkiye
While Türkiye does not have specific anchorage regulations for Posidonia similar to those implemented in Spain or France, the country has biodiversity conservation and environmental protection laws that indirectly benefit Posidonia and other marine habitats.
The Turkish Environmental Law No. 2872 of 1983, emphasises the importance of preserving wild species and ecosystems. Within designated MPAs, regulations govern anchoring and other activities that could harm marine habitats. These regulations are designed to protect the entire ecosystem, including seagrass beds. 8
Monitoring and enforcement of these regulations are carried out by the Turkish Coast Guard and the Directorate General of Coastal Safety. Their efforts ensure compliance with marine activity regulations, including safe anchoring practices.
What Else Can Be Done For Posidonia Protection
Protecting Posidonia is a collaborative effort, and it starts with staying in the know. Yacht captains, crews and yachting companies should stay informed about the latest anchorage regulations and best practices for safe anchoring. This includes:
- Continuous Education: Regular updates on environmental and marine regulations can help cultivate a sense of stewardship among boaters. Educational resources can inform and educate yachts and their crew about the importance of Posidonia and the negative impacts of anchor dragging.
- Using Available Resources: Captains and crew should leverage maps and information from government websites, environmental organisations, and local authorities to navigate around seagrass areas effectively. It’s advisable to ask port authorities about any anchoring restrictions when clearing into a country or before anchoring in a specific area, as enforcement varies by location.
- Knowledge Sharing, Community and Industry Collaboration: Effective conservation requires collaboration among the yachting industry, local governments, scientific committees, and environmental groups. Engaging in conservation initiatives and supporting efforts to monitor and enforce anchoring regulations enhances awareness and promotes the preservation of Posidonia.
- What Technology Is Available To Help: Now, let’s talk tech. Modern technology plays a crucial role in improving anchoring practices. AnchorGuardian, for instance, offers real-time data that tracks the movement and position of a yacht’s anchor, providing valuable insights throughout the anchoring process. This technology empowers Captains and crews to make well-informed decisions without altering traditional anchoring methods. Applications such as Donia and Nav & Co are instrumental in identifying protected areas, enabling yacht crews to choose appropriate anchoring locations that minimise environmental impact. By using technological innovation and tools, captains can protect both their vessels and the fragile marine ecosystem.
Conclusion
The legislation and directives implemented across various countries aim to establish a sustainable coexistence between marine conservation, tourism and recreational boating activities. The clarification of safe anchoring zones and protected Posidonia areas is an important step in preserving the marine environment.
Understanding and adhering to the specific anchoring regulations in the Mediterranean and Adriatic is now an essential aspect of responsible yachting. To support this, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming updates, including our future blog where we’re compiling a comprehensive online list of resources detailing anchoring zones and links to regulations.
Resources:
- Med Posidonia Network: medposidonianetwork.com
- Préfecture Maritime de la Mediterranée https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr
- Italian Marine Protected Areas http://www.europarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/EUROPARC-Webinar_Marine-N2000-sites_MPA-Portofino.pdf
- Berthing Regulations (S.L. 10.30) Malta: https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/10.30/eng/pdf
- Boudouresque C. F., Bernard G., Bonhomme P., Charbonnel E., Diviacco G., Meinesz A., Pergent G., Pergent-Martini C., Ruitton S., Tunesi L., 2012. Protection and conservation of Posidonia oceanica meadows. RAMOGE and RAC/SPA publisher, Tunis: 1-202. https://www.rac-spa.org/sites/default/files/doc_vegetation/ramoge_en.pdf
- Legimonaco : https://legimonaco.mc/tnc/ordonnance/2011/02-14-3.131/ and ’Code de la Mer / Code of the Sea’: https://legimonaco.mc/code/code-mer/
- Balearics anchoring zones by Govern de les Illes Baleares: https://www.caib.es/sites/cuidamposidonia/en/posidonia_cartography/
- General Directorate of Environmental Management and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey