HEAVY PENALTIES FOR HARASSMENT AND FEEDING OF PROTECTED SPECIES - UP TO €20,000 FOR SEA TURTLES, SEALS, DOLPHINS - Filenews 31/3
The new regulations in relation to protected species are strict, with violators punished with a fine of up to €20,000 or imprisonment of up to a year.
In particular, it is prohibited to harass or feed protected species, with a particular focus on all dolphins, whales and Anguilla anguilla eels. In addition, it is forbidden to destroy, harass, move nests and eggs of sea turtles, as well as unauthorized access to caves where the Mediterranean monk seal is found.
Violations of the Fisheries Amending Regulations of 2026 constitute an offence and carry penalties of up to €20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year, reports the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR).
The Regulations approved by the House of Representatives and published in the Official Gazette of the Government on March 20, 2026, came into force immediately.
In today's announcement, the competent Department states that violations of the Regulations constitute an offense and carry penalties of up to €20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
The new Regulations, according to the announcement, aim to strengthen the protection of marine species and sensitive areas, setting clear prohibitions and measures for citizens and professional users of the sea.
Main provisions of the amending Regulations
According to the provisions of the amending Regulations, it is prohibited to harass or feed protected species, as well as any action that affects their physical behaviour, such as movement, reproduction or rest.
Particular emphasis is placed on the protection of all dolphins, whales and the Anguilla anguilla eel, which are explicitly included in the protected species, while for sea turtles it is forbidden to destroy or move nests and eggs, as well as any intervention in the protective cages and their marking.
It is also forbidden to drive wheeled vehicles on sea turtle nesting beaches and in designated protected areas.
On the beach of "Limnis", during the period from May 15 to September 30, the placement of beds, umbrellas, caravans, tents or other similar structures is prohibited, while in the sea area "Polis-Gialia" (0–10 meters isobath) the passage and anchoring of motor boats is prohibited, except for professionals of small-scale coastal fishing.
At the same time, access to sea caves within Marine Protected Areas, which have been established for the protection of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, is allowed only with special permission from the Director of the Department.
Finally, it is forbidden to dump any waste into the sea, either from land or from boats.
DFMR reminds that the protection of the marine environment is a collective responsibility and calls on all citizens to comply with the new Regulations for the conservation of marine biodiversity.
CNA
