The tides and Ile de Ré

WHAT IS THE FORESHORE?

The foreshore is the area where the tide swings in and out - the area between the water level at high and low tide. This is where shore fishing takes place. As part of public maritime property, it is open to all.

WHAT’S IN THE CATCH?

Small scallops, different types of clams, mussels, cockles, oysters, razor clams, sand and pink shrimps, velvet, spider and rock crabs.
Please respect the following rules:
Max. authorised quota: 5 kg per person per day.
Do not overturn rocks.
Leave breeding females with eggs.
Fishing is prohibited in the oyster farms and within a 25-metre radius.
Fishing is authorised from sunrise to sunset.
It is prohibited to sell the catch from recreational fishing.
Respect authorised fishing areas, minimum sizes and quantities. Rulers for checking minimum size are available at tourist information centres.

GOOD PRACTICES FOR RESPECTING NATURE

  • Respect the ecosystem

Don’t forget to replace overturned stones to their original position.

Cut seaweed, don’t pull or tear it.

Avoid digging big holes or ditches. If you do, fill them before leaving the site.

When fishing, be guided by visible marks left on the surface by shellfish living in the ground.

  • Respect living beings

Release crabs with a soft shell to let them grow.

Leave breeding females with eggs.

Fish and shellfish have a very short shelf life. To avoid waste, only fish what you need for the day and stay within the quota of 5kg/person/day.

FISH FARMS AND FISHING ZONES ON ILE DE RE

Foreshore fishing is authorised on public maritime property except in the following areas:
all Ile de Ré ports and within a 100-metre radius,
Lilleau des Niges natural reserve,
the north beach of Rivedoux, between the jetty in the port and the bridge;
oyster farms and within a 25-metre radius;
fishing locks, on the wall and within a 25-metre radius.

SOME PRECAUTIONS

Check tide times.

If you are going fishing alone, tell someone you know and take a mobile phone.

Never venture out on the coast in foggy weather, and always carry a compass.

Protect yourself from the elements with sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and boots.

For more information: 
Contact the Eco Rangers (Ecogardes) - Communauté des Communes:
+33 (0)5 46 09 00 97 - +33 (0)6 48 71 25 95
Maritime Affairs : +33 (0)5 46 28 07 07
Marine Fishing : legifrance.gouv.fr