The court of appeal in Aix-en-Provence has rejected a claim for ecological damages in a case involving the destruction of posidonia seagrass beds off the Côte d'Azur by yacht anchors, overturning a landmark first-instance ruling that had for the first time recognised ecological harm in such a case.
The ruling, handed down on Wednesday July 1, relates to several yacht captains prosecuted for illegal anchoring in protected posidonia zones along the Riviera coastline. A lower court had originally recognised the ecological prejudice caused by the damage, making it one of the first such rulings in France. The appeal court has now reversed that finding.
Posidonia oceanica is a seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean and considered one of the most important ecosystems in the sea. It provides oxygen, supports marine biodiversity, acts as a carbon sink and plays a significant role in coastal erosion protection. Its destruction by anchors, propellers and illegal mooring is a persistent problem along the Côte d'Azur, where heavy superyacht traffic during the summer season creates intense pressure on protected zones.
Environmental campaigners and marine conservation groups had hoped the original ruling would set a precedent that could be used to hold yacht operators accountable for damage to protected marine environments. The appeal court's decision is a significant setback for those efforts.
Source: France 3 Régions