Among the little known prohibitions that can spoil the holidays, there is one that continues to surprise many summer. On beach days, it is common to see who picks shells, small stones or even a handful of sand to keep as a memory. A discrete gesture, repeated by many, without suspecting the consequences. Removing shells, stones or sand from the beaches is considered an environmental infraction and can give rise to fines between 250 and 1,000 euros.
The apparently innocuous practice is foreseen as an attack on natural heritage. According to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the removal of natural elements compromises the ecological balance of coastal zones, affecting biodiversity and the dynamics of ecosystems.
A memory that comes out man
Often tourists try to take home a sample of the landscape they found on vacation. Be a handful of sand stored in a bottle or shells caught at low tide, the gesture may seem harmless, but it is not.
According to the same entity, these minor changes may impact the natural cycle of coastal erosion, interfere with habitats of various species and contribute to the wear of the coastal line.
Inspection is the responsibility of the Maritime Police, which acts on the ground in collaboration with the Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF). As the website of the Directorate-General of Maritime Authority explains, the removal of natural components of the beaches is an environmental offense punishable with a fine, even if it is reduced quantities.
In previous years, situations of tourists have been reported by trying to board airplanes with sand bags or glass bottles full of shells. Although cases do not always gain public visibility, the authorities admit that this is a recurring practice during the summer months.
Preserving the coast is everyone’s task
The beaches are not just leisure and rest places. They represent sensitive natural systems with environmental, economic and social functions that require active protection.
The legislation in force is designed to safeguard these spaces of human interventions that, even if punctual and isolated, can have significant effects when repeated by thousands of people over time.
A legal framework that leaves no margin for doubt
In Portugal, the protection of the coastal environment is enshrined in the legal regime of nature and biodiversity conservation, established by Decree-Law No. 142/2008.
This diploma defines what can be considered environmental damage and provides for the application of financial fines, which in the case of infractions committed in coastal zones, such as sand removal, shells or beaches, can reach 1,000 euros
The norm reinforces the importance of preserving the natural elements present on Portuguese beaches, even when its withdrawal seems harmless.
Information still does not reach everyone
Awareness campaigns have sought to alert the summer to the impact of these actions. Several informative initiatives have been launched in recent years, but, according to the authorities, the lack of knowledge of the law remains an obstacle.
Still, responsibility is individual. As it refers to, the recommendation remains clear: what is from the beach is on the beach. Even when it looks just a souvenir.
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