SpearfishingMap

Monaco

Europe · Western Europe

Recreational underwater fishing (pêche sous-marine) is permitted in the Principality of Monaco but tightly regulated. A person must be at least 16 years old and must file an annual authorisation/declaration with the Department of Maritime Affairs (Direction des Affaires Maritimes), supported by a medical certificate of fitness for underwater fishing and an unlimited civil-liability insurance policy (or a valid underwater-fishing licence). Spearfishing is banned during the closed season from 15 October to 15 March, must take place at least 100 m from the shore or marine structures and 50 m from fishing nets, and is forbidden in the Larvotto marine reserve, the Spélugues coral reef and in ports. Use of breathing apparatus (scuba), artificial light, bait, and barbed/multi-pronged spears (harpoons, multi-branch spears, tridents) or compressed-gas weapons is prohibited; only single-pointed darts are allowed. The daily catch is capped at seven fish per fisher. The diver must signal their presence with a flagged buoy. The governing framework is the Code de la mer (Loi n° 1.198 of 27 March 1998) and Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 on the exploitation of biological resources.

Restricted
Fiabilité des donnéesFiabilité élevée

Dernière mise à jour mars 28, 2025

Cadre réglementaire

  • §Loi n° 1.198 du 27 mars 1998 portant Code de la Mer
  • §Ordonnance Souveraine n° 3.131 du 14 février 2011 relative à l'exploitation des ressources biologiques
  • §Ordonnance Souveraine n° 6.984 du 20 juin 2018 relative à la création et à la gestion des aires marines protégées
  • §Ordonnance Souveraine n° 11.144 du 12 mars 2025 modifiant l'article O.244-8 du Code de la mer
Licence requise
Requise
Fusil harpon
Interdit
Plongée bouteille
Interdit
Étrangers
Bienvenus

La loi, verbatim

Textes juridiques

Les dispositions législatives et réglementaires exactes qui régissent la chasse sous-marine ici, citées telles que publiées, avec un lien vers chaque source officielle.

01Conditions for underwater fishing authorisationMonaco · national

Eligibility for underwater fishing

Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 on the exploitation of biological resources (Code de la mer)

ENTraduit

You can go underwater fishing: If you are 16 or over. You should go to the Department of Maritime Affairs, taking proof of identity. You will need to make an annual application, for which a receipt is issued. [The declaration must include] a medical certificate stating your fitness for underwater fishing and a civil responsibility insurance policy with unlimited liability covering any accidental injuries that may be caused to a third party.

02Seasonal prohibitionMonaco · national

Closed season for underwater fishing

Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 on the exploitation of biological resources (Code de la mer)

ENTraduit

Underwater fishing is forbidden from 15th October to 15th March, except in the case of exemptions granted by the Director of Maritime Affairs.

03Distance requirementsMonaco · national

Distance from shore and from nets

Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 on the exploitation of biological resources (Code de la mer)

ENTraduit

More than 100 metres from the bank or from marine structures [except in the area between Pointe Saint-Martin and the base of the Rainier III sea wall]; More than 50 metres from fixed nets or nets from ships or other vessels engaged in fishing activities.

04Catch limitMonaco · national

Daily catch limit

Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 on the exploitation of biological resources (Code de la mer)

ENTraduit

The number of fish caught must in no case exceed seven per fisher during the same day of fishing.

05Prohibited equipmentMonaco · national

Prohibited methods and gear

Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 on the exploitation of biological resources (Code de la mer)

ENTraduit

[It is prohibited to use] light sources or bait; breathing apparatus [air or oxygen cylinders]; a harpoon, such as a spear, multi-branch spear or trident, except single-pointed darts; [and weapons powered by chemical or compressed gas].

06Prohibited areasMonaco · national

Prohibited zones for underwater fishing

Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 on the exploitation of biological resources (Code de la mer)

ENTraduit

Fishing is prohibited in the Larvotto marine reserve and in the Spélugues coral reef, as well as in harbours and at port entrances.

07Article O.244-8 du Code de la mer (as modified)Monaco · national

Restriction of shore line-fishing to declared persons

Ordonnance Souveraine n° 11.144 du 12 mars 2025 modifiant l'article O.244-8 du Code de la mer

FROriginal

La pêche du bord à la ligne est réservée aux personnes déclarées à la Direction des Affaires Maritimes. [La déclaration annuelle est obligatoire; le formulaire de déclaration est annexé à l'arrêté ministériel n° 2025-126; le nombre annuel de pêcheurs est fixé par arrêté ministériel; le Directeur des Affaires Maritimes dispose d'un droit de suspension.]

Quand vous pouvez plonger

Saisons et restrictions temporelles

Périodes de fermeture, d'ouverture et de restriction tout au long de l'année. Confirmez toujours localement les fermetures propres à chaque espèce.

janv.
févr.
mars
avr.
mai
juin
juil.
août
sept.
oct.
nov.
déc.
FerméeRéglementéeOuverte
  • FerméeAll recreational underwater fishing (pêche sous-marine) in Monégasque territorial watersoct. 15 – mars 15

    Underwater fishing is forbidden from 15 October to 15 March, except for exemptions granted by the Director of Maritime Affairs for competitions and group training organised by approved clubs.

    monservicepublic.gouv.mc
  • OuverteAll recreational underwater fishing (pêche sous-marine) in Monégasque territorial watersmars 16 – oct. 14

    Underwater fishing is permitted, from sunrise to sunset, outside the 15 October to 15 March closed season, subject to authorisation and all other conditions.

    monservicepublic.gouv.mc

Autorisation de pêcher

Licence

Ce dont vous avez besoin pour être autorisé dans l'eau, ce que cela coûte et comment l'obtenir.

Licence requisevia Direction des Affaires Maritimes (Department of Maritime Affairs)

Apply in person at the Department of Maritime Affairs (Direction des Affaires Maritimes), presenting proof of identity, a medical certificate of fitness for underwater fishing, and a civil-liability insurance policy with unlimited cover for accidental third-party injury (or a valid underwater-fishing licence). A receipt is issued.

Obtenez votre licence

Ouvre le portail officiel · monservicepublic.gouv.mc

Licence requise
Type
Annual underwater-fishing authorisation / declaration (autorisation de pêche sous-marine) issued by the Direction des Affaires Maritimes; a copy is forwarded to the Police (Marine and Airport Police Division).
Coût
unknown
Validité
1 year (annual application required)
Comment l'obtenir
Apply in person at the Department of Maritime Affairs (Direction des Affaires Maritimes), presenting proof of identity, a medical certificate of fitness for underwater fishing, and a civil-liability insurance policy with unlimited cover for accidental third-party injury (or a valid underwater-fishing licence). A receipt is issued.
Autorité
Direction des Affaires Maritimes (Department of Maritime Affairs)
Portail officiel des licences · monservicepublic.gouv.mc

Matériel et technique

Règles d'équipement

Quel matériel est autorisé, comment il peut être utilisé et les conditions associées.

Fusil harponInterdite
Plongée bouteilleInterdite

Restrictions

  • Breathing apparatus (air or oxygen cylinders / scuba) prohibited - must be free-diving / apnea
  • Harpoons, spears, multi-branch spears and tridents prohibited; only single-pointed darts permitted
  • Weapons powered by chemical or compressed gas prohibited
  • Use of artificial light sources prohibited
  • Use of bait prohibited
  • A signalling buoy must be displayed bearing the Alpha flag of the International Code of Signals (blue and white) or a red flag with a white Saint Andrew's cross
  • Permitted only from sunrise to sunset

The official government guidance describes prohibited gear as 'a harpoon, such as a spear, multi-branch spear or trident, except single-pointed darts'. This effectively bans conventional barbed/multi-pronged speargun heads while permitting a single-point dart. Powered (compressed-gas/pneumatic) spearguns are prohibited.

Ce que vous pouvez prélever

Limites de capture et espèces protégées

Quotas journaliers, tailles minimales et espèces qui ne doivent jamais être prélevées.

Limite journalière

7 fish per fisher per day

The number of fish caught must in no case exceed seven per fisher during the same day of fishing. Species-specific minimum sizes and protected-species lists are set under the Code de la mer / Sovereign Ordinance 3.131 of 2011 and ministerial decrees; specific values were not retrieved verbatim. Bluefin tuna fishing is separately regulated (Ordonnance Souveraine n° 7.369 of 26 February 2019 amending article O.244-11 of the Code de la mer).

Qui peut pêcher

Visiteurs et résidents

Comment les règles diffèrent pour les visiteurs étrangers et les résidents locaux.

Visiteurs étrangers

Autorisée

Exigences

  • Same conditions as residents: annual authorisation from the Direction des Affaires Maritimes
  • Proof of identity
  • Medical certificate of fitness for underwater fishing
  • Civil-liability insurance with unlimited cover for third-party injury (or a valid underwater-fishing licence)

Monaco's published underwater-fishing rules do not distinguish between nationals, residents and visitors; all applicants must obtain the same annual authorisation and meet the same conditions. No nationality or residency restriction is stated in the official source.

Résidents

Annual underwater-fishing authorisation from the Direction des Affaires Maritimes

Exigences

  • Aged 16 or over
  • Annual application with proof of identity
  • Medical certificate of fitness for underwater fishing
  • Civil-liability insurance with unlimited cover (or valid underwater-fishing licence)

The same authorisation regime applies to residents and non-residents. Affiliation to an approved club (e.g. via the Fédération Monégasque de Pêches Sportives, FMPS) can give access to organised competitions/training for which the Director of Maritime Affairs may grant closed-season exemptions.

Où sur la côte

Zones autorisées et interdites

Zones nommées ouvertes ou fermées à la chasse sous-marine. Voir l'image complète sur la carte interactive.

Zones autorisées

  • Monégasque territorial waters (general)

    Recreational underwater fishing is allowed in Monaco's territorial waters outside protected and prohibited areas, provided it takes place more than 100 m from the shore or marine structures (except between Pointe Saint-Martin and the base of the Rainier III sea wall) and more than 50 m from fishing nets, from sunrise to sunset, outside the closed season, and with valid authorisation.

    Min 100 m from shore/structures; min 50 m from nets; daytime only; closed 15 Oct - 15 Mar; max 7 fish/day; no scuba, no light/bait, only single-pointed darts; signalling buoy required.

    monservicepublic.gouv.mc

Zones interdites

Voir sur la carte

Conditions sur l'eau

Conditions en direct

Aperçu marin et météo en direct près d'un point de référence côtier en Monaco, fourni par Open-Meteo. Les conditions varient le long de la côte — à considérer comme indicatives.

Conditions marines et météo en direct près de Larvotto Marine Reserve (Réserve sous-marine du Larvotto).

Conditions

À qui s'adresser

Autorités

Les organismes officiels responsables de la pêche et des licences.

  • Direction des Affaires Maritimes (Department of Maritime Affairs)

    maritime authority

    monservicepublic.gouv.mc20 quai l'Hirondelle, 98000 Monaco; tel. (+377) 98 98 22 80

  • Police - Division de Police Maritime et Aéroportuaire (Marine and Airport Police Division)

    maritime police authority

    gouv.mcReceives a copy of each underwater-fishing authorisation; enforces maritime fishing rules

  • Association Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature (AMPN)

    marine protected areas manager

    ampn.mcManager of the Larvotto and Spélugues marine protected areas under Sovereign Ordinance 6.984 of 20 June 2018

  • Fédération Monégasque de Pêches Sportives (FMPS)

    sport fishing federation

    fmps.mcMonégasque sport-fishing federation; guidance on recreational fishing regulations

D'où cela provient

Sources

Chaque affirmation sur cette page renvoie à l'une de ces références.

  1. [01]

    Demander une autorisation de pêche sous-marine / How to request an authorisation for underwater fishing - Monaco Government public service portal

    Officielle
    monservicepublic.gouv.mcConsulté le juin 15
  2. [02]

    Aires Marines Protégées (Larvotto reserve and Spélugues coral reef) - AMPN

    Officielle
    ampn.mcConsulté le juin 15
  3. [03]

    Pêche à pied et nouvelles zones d'interdiction [Mise à jour] - Legimonaco (Ordonnance Souveraine n° 11.144 du 12 mars 2025, arrêté ministériel n° 2025-126)

    Officielle
    legimonaco.mcConsulté le juin 15
  4. [04]

    Ordonnance Souveraine n° 11.144 du 12 mars 2025 modifiant l'article O.244-8 du Code de la mer - Journal de Monaco / Legimonaco

    Officielle
    legimonaco.mcConsulté le juin 15
  5. [05]

    Code de la mer - Legimonaco (Loi n° 1.198 du 27 mars 1998)

    Officielle
    legimonaco.mcConsulté le juin 15
  6. [06]

    Ordonnance Souveraine n° 6.984 du 20 juin 2018 relative à la création et à la gestion des aires marines protégées - Journal de Monaco

    Officielle
    journaldemonaco.gouv.mcConsulté le juin 15
  7. [07]

    Pêcher à Monaco - Fédération Monégasque de Pêches Sportives (FMPS)

    Secondaire
    fmps.mcConsulté le juin 15
  8. [08]

    Réglementation Monégasque de la pêche récréative - FMPS

    Secondaire
    fmps.mcConsulté le juin 15

Notes du chercheur

Spearfishing in Monaco is legal but heavily restricted. Authoritative data comes from the Monaco Government public-service portal (monservicepublic.gouv.mc), the AMPN (marine protected areas manager) and Legimonaco/Journal de Monaco for the underlying legislation. The detailed operational rules (closed season, distances, gear, 7-fish limit, prohibited zones) are reproduced verbatim (translated) from the official government portal, which cites Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.131 of 14 February 2011 on the exploitation of biological resources within the Code de la mer (Loi n° 1.198 of 27 March 1998). The full consolidated French text of the underwater-fishing articles and the verbatim text of Ordinance 3.131 were not retrievable as plain HTML (the Code de la mer consolidation and ordinance pages return structural metadata or PDFs only), so most law_texts entries are translated excerpts from the official English-language government guidance rather than the raw French statute; jurisdiction is national throughout (Monaco is a unitary principality). Licence cost was not published. Bluefin tuna is separately regulated (O.S. 7.369 of 26 February 2019). Coordinates for the Larvotto and Spélugues reserves are approximate centroids derived from the WGS84 boundary points published by AMPN. A March 2025 update (O.S. 11.144) added a declaration requirement for shore line-fishing and extended a prohibited works zone near Le Portier toward the Larvotto reserve.

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