environmental Protection
In these countries you are not allowed to collect shells on the beach
Shells are a popular holiday souvenir – but you are not allowed to collect them everywhere.
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Shells are one of the most popular holiday souvenirs. But be careful: you are not allowed to take them from the beach everywhere.
Anyone who takes protected mussels with them may even risk problems with the authorities on their return journey. This is because the supposed holiday souvenir can have a serious impact on the marine ecosystem. Which mussels can you take home as a souvenir and which ones should you avoid?
In these countries you are allowed to collect mussels
In Germany, France, Greece, Croatia, Portugal and Spain it is generally permitted to collect mussels. Mussels such as sand gapers, blue mussels or Baltic flat mussels are generally not protected and are suitable as holiday souvenirs. But be careful: you should not pack more than three fencing snail shells and three giant clams.
There are only certain places in these countries where you should leave mussels lying around. This is usually indicated by certain markings.
Where are you not allowed to collect mussels?
In general, you should avoid collecting starfish, corals or sea urchins. Most species are strictly protected. You should also keep your hands off anything living, as well as dead animal remains. Snail shells should also be left alone, as they are an important living space for hermit crabs.
Collecting mussels is completely prohibited in Egypt, the Dominican Republic, Dubai, Italy and Mexico, as well as New Zealand, Thailand, Turkey, the USA and Cyprus. Removing mussels from these places means interfering with a protected ecosystem and may result in a high fine. Detailed information on the bans in the respective travel country can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Carrying sand is also prohibited in some regions
In some regions it is even forbidden to take sand from the beach as a souvenir. For example, there is a strict ban in Sardinia, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand and the Philippines. Anyone who pockets sand on the North Sea island of Sylt can also expect to be fined. The reason: Natural erosion is causing the beaches to shrink, and in some places every grain of sand literally counts.