Marine reserve of Cerbère-Banyuls, Marine nature reserve in Banyuls-sur-Mer and Cerbère, France.
The Marine reserve of Cerbère-Banyuls is a protected nature area extending across the Mediterranean coast between two towns, reaching two kilometers into the sea. It contains diverse marine habitats ranging from shallow rocky areas to deeper underwater zones.
The reserve was established in 1974 as France's first marine protected area, created in response to fishing pressure and pollution threatening the coastal waters. Its creation marked an early milestone in protecting Mediterranean marine life through legal designation.
The facility teaches visitors about Mediterranean marine ecosystems and how they function through its Biodiversarium programs. Local fishing communities have adapted their traditions to support conservation while maintaining their connection to the sea.
Visitors can explore through diving, snorkeling, and boat tours while respecting protection rules that keep the environment intact. It helps to learn local guidelines beforehand and plan your visit during calmer seasons when water conditions are more favorable.
The zone contains hundreds of animal and plant species, including red coral and Posidonia oceanica seagrass that form underwater meadows. These marine grasslands are less familiar to visitors than tropical coral formations but equally vital to the ecosystem.
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