Recent news that a man was arrested in Croatia after it was found that he had taken three specimens of the strictly protected periwinkle shell from the sea reverberated throughout the region. As innocent as it may sound, taking and possessing strictly protected marine species can result in serious financial and even prison penalties. We explored what is prohibited to take from the sea in popular summer destinations for Serbian tourists.
Although the penal policy varies from country to country, everywhere it is foreseen that taking and possessing protected marine species entails paying a substantial amount of money, and depending on the seriousness of the offense, one can end up behind bars.
Croatia
Penalties for attempting to take protected sea stars from Croatia can be significant, as laws on the protection of marine species are strictly enforced to preserve the ecosystems and biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea.
Some of the protected species in the Adriatic Sea include the barrel lilac, banded mitra, Triton’s trumpet, red coral, shellfish such as the noble pen-shell, and the seahorse.
Penalties for illegal collection and export of protected marine species can reach several tens of thousands of kuna.
For example, fines for violating nature protection laws can range from 5,000 to 100,000 kuna (around 700 to 13,300 euros), depending on the severity of the offense.
The protection laws for marine species in Croatia are regulated through various regulations, including the Nature Protection Act and regulations related to the preservation of marine resources. For accurate and up-to-date information on penalties and laws, it is recommended to contact local authorities or legal experts specializing in environmental protection.
Montenegro
When it comes to the Adriatic Sea, it is inevitable to mention Montenegro, which is also an inevitable summer destination for Serbian tourists.
According to the Nature Protection Act and other relevant laws, the highest monetary penalty for illegally taking protected marine species in Montenegro can reach amounts up to 50,000 euros.
This amount can refer to serious violations, such as mass collection or commercial exploitation of protected species.
Greece
In Greece, the protection of marine species is an important part of preserving biodiversity and marine ecosystems. According to the laws and regulations in force, several marine species are protected, and touching, collecting, or taking them can be punishable. Some of the key protected marine species in Greece include sea turtles, seahorses, red coral, sea stars, and sea urchins.
Penalties for violating laws protecting these species in Greece can include the highest monetary fines that can reach up to 200,000 euros or more, depending on the severity of the violation and the type of protected marine species. In more serious cases, penalties may also include imprisonment.
Turkey
In Turkey, as in many other countries, there is a legislative framework for protecting marine species that covers various protected species. Monetary penalties or other sanctions may be imposed for touching, collecting, or taking these species. Some of the key protected marine species in Turkey include sea turtles, dolphins, seahorses, corals, sea urchins, and sea stars.
In Turkey, the highest monetary penalty for illegally taking protected marine species can be significant, but the specific amount depends on the circumstances and the offense. Penalties are regulated by various laws related to environmental protection and marine resources, such as the Nature Protection Act and the Marine Resources Act.
According to available information, fines for violating laws protecting protected marine species can reach up to 100,000 Turkish lira (around 3,500 to 4,500 euros).
Egypt
Diving in the Red Sea in Egypt provides an unforgettable experience for divers around the world and one of the must-see attractions this popular resort offers. However, if it accidentally occurred to us to take a cute marine „souvenir“ with us, it could cost us a lot.
In Egypt, the protection of marine species is regulated by laws and international agreements, and touching or taking protected marine species can be punishable. Some of the protected marine species in Egypt that may seem like we can only take them for a souvenir include corals, sea stars, and sea urchins.
Penalties for attempting to take protected sea stars from Egypt can be serious and include various sanctions. Egyptian authorities apply strict measures to protect their marine flora and fauna.
For violating laws protecting marine species, fines can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of Egyptian pounds. For example, fines can reach up to 100,000 Egyptian pounds (around 2,500 to 5,500 euros) or more, depending on the specific circumstances and the seriousness of the offense.
