New Protected Invertebrate Species in the Mediterranean

The marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean benefits from a new advancement with the addition of invertebrate species to the environmental code. This development aims to strengthen the protection of these essential organisms against the threats they face.

An Expanded List of Protected Invertebrates

The French environmental code is enriched with a list of protected marine invertebrates in the Mediterranean. The destruction, capture, intentional disturbance, transport, and trade of these species, as well as the degradation of their habitats, are now strictly prohibited. Some of these species were already protected at the international level, and this national update is part of a strategy to preserve marine ecosystems, in line with France’s international commitments.

Close-up of a triton’s eyes, photographed during the Gombessa expedition conducted in the depths of the Mediterranean

Species Already Protected

Previously, several species of invertebrates enjoyed full protection in the Mediterranean waters, including:

Great Pinna (Pinna nobilis): threatened by an epizootic.
Sea Date (Lithophaga lithophaga): mollusk vulnerable to destructive fishing.
Giant Limpet (Patella ferruginea): endemic species in decline.
Solitary Coral (Astroides calycularis): endemic to the western Mediterranean.
Red Coral (Corallium rubrum): exploited for jewelry.
Black Porcelain (Luria lurida): gastropod with a lustrous shell.

These species are listed in Annex II of the Protocol concerning specially protected areas of Mediterranean importance (ASP/DB Protocol) of the Barcelona Convention, which requires strict protection.

The tiny starfish, barely wider than a posidonia leaf in its preferred habitat.

New Additions to the List

The decree published on July 8 by the Minister of Ecological Transition expands the list of protected marine invertebrates. Among the new species, sponges and cnidarians are particularly represented, totaling 24 species. Here are some examples:

Sponges

Yellow Verongia (Aplysina aerophoba)
Yellow Cave Sponge (Aplysina cavernicola)
Common Axinella (Axinella polypoides)
Carnivorous Sponge (Lycopodina hypogea / Asbestopluma hypogea): discovered in 1992 near La Ciotat.
Isidella elongata: alcyonarian with fragile colonies.

An axinella sponge.
Photo: Dominique Barray.

Echinoderms and Mollusks

Posidonia Dwarf Star (Asterina pancerii): miniature starfish.
Purple Starfish (Ophidiaster ophidianus): with its long slender arms.
Diadem Sea Urchin (Centrostephanus longispinus): elegant and protected since 1992.
Spiny Pinna (Pinna rudis): less affected by the great Pinna crisis.
Gastropods: seven new species, including:
- Tridacna (Charonia lampas): the largest Mediterranean gastropod.
- Small Vermet (Dendropoma cristatum).
- Striped Mitre (Episcomitra zonata).
- Dirty Porcelain (Naria spurca).
- Large Ranella (Ranella olearium).
- Grooved Tonna (Tonna galea): can reach 30 cm.
- Pear Porcelain (Zonaria pyrum).

Impact of These Changes

The application of international conventions, such as that of Barcelona, requires transposition into French law to be legally binding. This decree allows France to be accountable while providing enhanced national protection. It facilitates interventions by authorities regarding the control of captures and extractions, as well as legal proceedings.

The implementation of texts at the national level allows for the application of criminal and administrative sanctions, such as fines or imprisonment. Without this transcription, compliance with international commitments would be more difficult to enforce.

Other texts related to protected species are in preparation. According to the ministry, this decree is part of a comprehensive approach aimed at completing the lists of protected marine species in accordance with Article L. 411-1 of the environmental code. Upcoming measures are expected to concern plant species and fish.

To consult the full decree, visit Légifrance.

Conclusion

With the addition of new protected marine invertebrate species, France strengthens its commitment to preserving biodiversity in the Mediterranean. These measures are essential to ensure the survival of these threatened species and the health of marine ecosystems.

This article, originally written by Isabelle Croizeau for our print edition, has been adapted for the web.
Photos: Laurent Ballesta – Gombessa.