Raising awareness of the foreshore

At the top of the beach is the embryonic dune, an extremely fragile habitat that it is essential to preserve. Please do not trample it to protect the plants that grow there. Typical species include :

• Oyat, which helps to bind the sand,
• Sea Panicum, recognisable by its bluish leaves,
• and Bindweed, whose pink flowers adorn the sand.

Behind this first dune rises the grey dune, or fixed dune, which is more stable and home to a different flora. At the bottom of the beach, the part of the coastline uncovered at low tide, known as the“platin” on the Ile de Ré, is the rocky foreshore. This is the domain of seaweed, particularly ulva (or sea lettuce) and bladderwrack, well known to walkers.

On the foreshore, life adapts to the rhythms of the tide. Marine organisms, often made up largely of seawater, have to withstand the times when the sea withdraws and they find themselves dry. To survive, each has its own strategy:

• Oysters, mussels and limpets close their shells to conserve water.
• Clams, razor clams and razor cl ams bury themselves in the sand or mud.
• Crabs, prawns, sea snails and small fish hide under rocks.
• Seaweed and sea anemones gorge themselves with water to keep from drying out.

When the tide comes back in, all this life starts up again: a fascinating natural ballet to observe, with respect for the environment.

Surf-casting, literally “fishing with a line in the wave”, is a sea-fishing technique practised from rocks, beaches or dykes. Accessible and popular, it allows you to experience the ocean to the full while respecting the environment.

Unlike freshwater fishing, you don’t need a licence to fish by the sea, day or night. However, certain areas, such as marinas or protected sites, may be off-limits for health or safety reasons. We strongly advise you to find out about local regulations before setting off.

A regulated activity

Recreational sea fishing is regulated: minimum catch sizes, authorised quantities and closed seasons vary according to the species. Some fish must also be marked.

Compliance with these rules is essential to preserve marine resources. Juvenile fish must be released immediately so that they reach the maturity required for reproduction. As each species has its own reproduction period, it is important to take this into account.

For example:

• Sea bass can be caught from April to November
• Mullet in May-June and December-January
• Sole is caught in summer and autumn

Caution and safety first and foremost

Surf-casting requires particular vigilance in the face of waves and water holes, some of which can be several metres deep. Even when fishing from a breakwater or slipway, it’s essential to keep an eye on the swell and sea conditions.

If in doubt, always ask before fishing.