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The Blue Velvet case marks a significant milestone in the legal protection of marine ecosystems. The Marseille Maritime Court has ruled against the owner of the 18-meter yacht that ran aground in August 2021 at La Croix Valmer, finding that his failure to take action after the shipwreck caused lasting damage to a Posidonia seagrass bed, a protected marine plant that is essential to the functioning of Mediterranean ecosystems.
A grounding followed by a long period during which the wreck remained immobilized
The Blue Velvet had broken free from its mooring during a storm before running aground on the Var coast in August 2021. Despite several formal notices issued by the maritime prefect, the wreck had not been removed by the required deadline.
After lying on the seabed for several months, the ship had gradually deteriorated before breaking apart in the fall of 2021, scattering debris along a stretch of the coastline. At the time, authorities had already pointed out that this situation illustrated the difficulty of quickly dealing with certain abandoned wrecks in the Mediterranean.
Nearly 200 m² of seagrass beds destroyed
Surveys conducted by the managers of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez Marine Protected Area have made it possible to document the progression of the damage through several diving expeditions carried out over many months.
According to the court's findings, nearly 200 m² of Posidonia seagrass beds were damaged or destroyed by the prolonged presence of the wreck.
Native to the Mediterranean, Posidonia forms vast seagrass beds that play a vital role in biodiversity. These meadows serve as nurseries for numerous species of fish and invertebrates, stabilize the seabed, limit coastal erosion, and contribute to carbon sequestration. They grow particularly slowly, which makes their restoration a lengthy process when they are damaged.
A first decision made by a marine protected area manager
This case is unprecedented. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez Community of Municipalities, which manages the Natura 2000-designated Marine Protected Area, had initiated legal proceedings regarding the destruction of a Posidonia seagrass bed.
The case was based on scientific monitoring that clearly demonstrated the progression of the damage between the time the ship ran aground and the time it was removed. This evidence contributed to the court?s recognition of the ecological damage.
This decision sets a precedent for managers of marine protected areas dealing with the consequences of shipwrecks or anchorages that could damage sensitive habitats.
Criminal penalties and environmental remediation
The court sentenced the owner of the Blue Velvet to a four-month suspended prison term, a fine of ?15,000 for violating maritime regulations, and a two-year suspension of his sailing license.
In addition to these penalties, a fine was imposed for ecological damage. More than ?110,000 must be paid to fund restoration efforts for the destroyed Posidonia seagrass bed.
This decision serves as a reminder that the consequences of a grounding are not limited to rescue or cleanup operations. When a vessel remains in a sensitive area, the damage caused to marine habitats may now give rise to specific compensation based on ecological harm, provided that such damage is established.
