Collecting shells from the beach is illegal and can cost you a hefty fine. This is established by the Navigation Code
Maybe to some it will sound strange, but collect shells from the beach is illegal and can cost you a hefty fine. This is established by the Navigation Code which punishes the removal of any marine animal or vegetable material or species with an administrative sanction.
You may find yourself paying by 1549 euros up to 9.286 euros in the event that during a check-up from your suitcase or bag, shells pop up. How many times have we collected a couple to keep the memory of that trip to the sea?
Yet the Navigation Code (art. 1162) speaks clearly, the withdrawal is punished with an administrative sanction for anyone who extracts "sand (sand), algae, gravel or other materials in the context of the maritime state property or the territorial sea, or port areas of inland navigation ".
This doesn't mean that you can't play with sand or shells on the beach, but that they can't be taken away to fill pots or decorate your home. There are also numerous regional ordinances which prohibit the collection, use and sale of sea water. And here too common sense prevails, ok fill a bucket to make a castle, but forget you can bring several liters with you.
Not just shells
The sanctions are not only on maritime material, so there are not only prohibitions at sea and beach, but also for example in the mountains. For example, the collection of edelweiss is prohibited, with penalties for transgressors of around a thousand euros, then there are restrictions on arnica, dandelion and mushrooms can only be collected by those with a license.
In short, there are restrictions and they are also many and to avoid high fines it is always better to leave things in their place.
