A significant step forward for marine biodiversity: the French government has added 36 species of marine invertebrates—including corals, sponges, and mollusks—to the list of protected species, bringing the total to 43. This update was published in the Official Journal on Tuesday, July 8.
From now on, the destruction, collection, transportation, or sale of these species—or their eggs—is strictly prohibited throughout the national territory.
Among the newly protected species are the yellow branching coral, the bear sponge, the long-spined sea urchin, and the Charonia lampas, the largest gastropod in mainland France.
The decree bans the destruction or removal of specimens and their eggs from their natural habitat, as well as their transport and trade.
“Only the possession and sale of specimens legally acquired before the decree came into force will remain allowed, such as in aquariums or museums,”
explained the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Biodiversity in a statement.
Corals are among the most threatened species in the Mediterranean, especially due to marine heatwaves, which can feed hurricanes and cyclones, degrade ecosystems, and cause mass mortality among marine species.
“This is a concrete step forward in better understanding and preserving our exceptional marine biodiversity,”
said Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister for Ecological Transition and Biodiversity, in an official statement on Wednesday.
