World Oceans Day, France adds 3 marine protection zones

France marked World Oceans Day by designating three newly protected marine zones, increasing the strictly protected share of its waters to 14.68%. The zones span distinct environments: Guadeloupe's coral reefs that shelter sea turtles, the Bay of Audierne off Finistère to support the Kentish plover, and a portion of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands where the seabed lies deeper than 2,500 meters. In zones of strict protection, activities such as fishing, extraction and tourism are banned or heavily restricted. At the Neptune Forum in Paris, Ecological Transition Minister Monique Barbut said France is nearing a UNOC target of 14.8% by year-end. France has rolled out a 'strong marine protection zones' label at 63 sites, including Port-Cros National Park's core and a reserve near Île de Ré. The move supports healthier ecosystems, fisheries and coastal resilience, and aligns with international efforts, with more than 90 signatories and a push toward 120 countries by 2027. France's Ministry notes that nearly 12 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually.