An inter-prefectural decree establishes the creation of a protected marine area along the Nice coastline. The project, supported by the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis and the city of Nice, was the subject of a public inquiry.
The State signed an inter-prefectural decree officializing the creation of the Nice protected marine area. This area encompasses two zones. The first extends from the mouth of the Var to Pointe Madame. The second zone is located between the Promenade des Anglais and Cap de Nice. The area covers approximately 50 hectares.
The project is based on two zones for the protection of natural marine habitats. The regulations provide for the prohibition of destructive fishing and anchoring. The stated goal is the preservation of marine biodiversity in this urban coastal sector.
The habitats mentioned are diverse. Posidonia and Cymodocea meadows are among the included environments. Underwater caves are incorporated into the perimeter. Coralligenous reefs, composed notably of gorgonians and corals, are also protected. The soft bottoms of the Baie des Anges are part of the area. The fauna recorded includes sea urchins, starfish, mollusks, lobsters, tuna, and groupers. Underwater canyons and marine mammals are also cited.
A public inquiry and a political contribution
The creation of this protected marine area led to a public inquiry. In this context, the Nice Front Populaire list submitted an official opinion on December 29, 2025. The position expressed principled support for the creation of the area.
The Nice Front Populaire stated it is “favorable to the creation of a Protected Marine Area and welcomes the positive aspects of the presented project.” The text highlights notably “the degree of protection along the Promenade des Anglais”[…] “the prohibition of access to the ‘Coral Cave’ degraded by diving.”
Several limitations are however pointed out. The opinion mentions “four major shortcomings” if the project is enacted as is. The first concerns “the lack of ecological continuity between the two zones.” The second point pertains to the size of the perimeter. The Nice Front Populaire considers the area “far too small and fragmented.” A comparison is made with the Port-Cros National Park and the Scandola Reserve.
The third issue raised concerns control measures. The opinion mentions “the absence of sufficient monitoring and security measures.” It is specified that “the effectiveness of the project depends on the resources allocated to the control services.” The municipal police, the French Biodiversity Office, and the maritime gendarmerie are cited.
The fourth point concerns professional fishing. The Nice Front Populaire criticizes “the exemption for professional fishing for 8 months/year in the Sans-Culottes zone.” The position is stated as: “it is unacceptable that the project, in its current form, confers the status of Strong Protection Zone to an area open to fishing 8 months out of 12.”
Proposals to strengthen protection
The Nice Front Populaire makes four proposals. The first aims to “create a real strong protection”. The total elimination of the derogatory professional fishing in the Sans-Culottes zone is requested. The second proposal concerns surveillance through “regular patrols”, “targeted coastal video surveillance on wild anchoring areas” and enhanced signage. The third proposal involves scientific monitoring including a “monitoring protocol for posidonia, coralligenous, fish communities.” The fourth proposal aims at spatial coherence to address the medium-term connection of the two zones through coastal ecological corridors. “It is under these four conditions that Nice will have a Protected Marine Area worthy of the name. The level of protection must match the threats to marine biodiversity”, concluded the list engaged in the 2026 municipal elections in Nice.
A decision enacted by the State
Despite these reservations, the inter-prefectural decree has been signed. The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis highlights the consultation work carried out since 2019, as Christian Estrosi rejoiced: “Nice becomes the first city in the Mediterranean to have a protected marine area along an urbanized coastline. A strong recognition of our vision and our ambition to make Nice one of the most exemplary metropolises in Europe in terms of littoral protection and ecological transition. Here, we act concretely to preserve the Mediterranean, the jewel of our identity and future”[…] “The challenge now is to bring this protected marine area to life, to make it grow, understand and respect it.” The discussions involved professional fishermen, recreational fishermen, boaters, diving clubs, environmental associations, and state services.
Its creation follows the hosting in Nice of the United Nations Ocean Conference, UNOC3, organized from June 9 to 13, 2025. This conference resulted in the “Nice Commitments for the Ocean”, aiming notably at expanding protected marine areas to 11% of the world’s maritime spaces.
