The new regulation 33/2026 was published on 2 April and will officially enter into force on 2 June 2026. It is intended to achieve several targets "on a trial basis" over the next two years (2026 and 2027) with additional measures, with the following points being the most important.
- Ensuring safety at sea with regard to nautical traffic, mooring and anchoring, as well as maritime activities in general.
- The promotion of marine and coastal protection, particularly in relation to the Posidonia seagrass meadows and other sensitive ecosystems in the area of the national park.
- Managing the increasing tourist boat traffic, particularly with regard to passenger and excursion boats. This also includes the establishment of corridors to be kept clear in the area close to the shore.
Night-time anchoring ban no longer mentioned
Interesting fact: The new regulation no longer explicitly mentions a ban on anchoring at night from sunset (10 p.m. at the latest) to sunrise in the general protection zones of the national park (Mb zones). This ban had recently caused great displeasure among sailors, pleasure boaters and the charter industry, and was has not yet been enforced following a legal challenge.
In the relevant articles 7, 8 and 9 of the document, which deal with the restrictions on anchoring and using buoy fields, reference is only made to the national park regulations that apply beyond this. However, the summarised version for visitors There is no mention of a ban on anchoring on the park's website.
The only new restriction in this context is that swimming from on board is now only permitted within a maximum radius of five metres around your own boat.
Change of direction for the authorities?
It therefore remains to be seen whether the omission of the anchor ban itself could actually be a sign that the authorities are changing direction on this controversial issue. The explicitly "experimental" nature of the measures could also indicate this. Especially as, in addition to the protection of the Posidonia meadows, the traffic situation itself has now also become more of a focus.
Further changes also for sports skippers
Another change, which also affects recreational boating, relates to maximum speeds and distances in the Mb zones. While the dividing line was previously 300 metres from the shore with a maximum permitted speed of 7 knots inside and 15 knots outside, the following gradation now applies:
- 7 knots maximum speed up to a distance of 500 metres from the shore
- 10 knots maximum speed at a distance of between 500 and 1000 metres from the shore.
In addition, corridors for emergency vessels have been set up on the shores of various islands in the archipelago, where anchoring is not permitted and the passage of these boats must not be obstructed or restricted.
Also interesting:
- Strait of Bonifacio: Part 1 - Sardinia's dream bays
- Strait of Bonifacio: Part 2 - Corsica and La Maddalena
- Canary Islands: Gomera and La Palma - wind and volcanoes
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
