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A coastline under protection, but not set in stone
To the east of the Côte des Légendes, between Kerlouan and Plouguerneau, a vast coastal area has just been classified as a Regional Nature Reserve. This designation formalizes two years of consultation and confers enhanced protection status on an area of 605 hectares, more than two-thirds of which is maritime territory. The aim is clear: to provide lasting protection for the marshes, dunes and bays of Guissény, while taking existing uses into account.
A living site between marshes, dunes and shifting foreshore
This coastline, located in the Pagan region, boasts a rare diversity of natural environments: dune ridges, dead cliffs, wetlands, polders, mudflats, seagrass beds, not forgetting the ancient salt marshes around Curnic. It's also a dynamic area, subject to wind action, winter storms, cross swells and seasonal migrations of sensitive species. The foreshore is wide, the sandbanks move, and the seagrass beds evolve over the years. All these factors motivated the regional services to initiate a classification, in conjunction with the Conservatoire du littoral and local stakeholders.
Navigation: no ban, but rules to be respected
For sea users, this change in status does not imply closure of the site, but rather a new way of looking at it. Navigation is still possible in the area, and no channels have been closed, but certain practices will be regulated. Anchors will have to avoid eelgrass beds or areas sensitive to turbidity, notably around the Golhedog islets or near the reed beds in Tresseny Bay. Traffic corridors are being mapped out to maintain access to beaches and beaching areas, while reducing the impact on benthic habitats.
Foot fishing and access to the foreshore: greater vigilance expected
Fishing on foot, an emblematic activity in the region, remains authorized, but may be subject to occasional restrictions, particularly during nesting periods or for certain fragile species. Scientific monitoring will be carried out to adapt these measures over time, without imposing a blanket ban. Shellfish harvesting and passage through salt meadows will undoubtedly be better marked, to limit trampling in the most sensitive areas.
Gentle practices: paddle, kayak, kite always welcome
Activities such as paddling, kayaking, kitesurfing and swimming remain fully possible in the area. However, temporary closures of certain stretches of coastline are possible in the event of protected species nesting, or to preserve dune strips undergoing restoration. The idea is not to create a sanctuarized reserve, but a living, shared space, where soft practices find their place while respecting the environment.
An appeal to yachtsmen's sense of responsibility
Boaters are therefore advised to keep a close eye on the information signs and future zoning maps, which will be deployed over the coming months. The good news is that no sites are closed to navigation. But in a context of increasing pressure on coastal environments, vigilance is essential. Knowing more about seagrass beds, anticipating anchoring maneuvers, staying in marked channels: these are all simple gestures that make it possible to reconcile the pleasure of sailing with respect for local biodiversity.
