A coastal protection project by a hotel in Belle-Mare is facing strong opposition from local artisanal fishermen, who fear it will damage the fragile marine ecosystem and threaten their main source of income, oyster fishing. While the project has all required authorisations, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence issued in July 2024, fishermen say they were never consulted.
The works include groynes, breakwaters, seawalls, and beach reshaping. Originally planned as a 113-metre basalt seawall, the design was modified in July 2025 to replace part of the wall with geotextile sandbags covered in rocks. Fishermen claim these changes and ongoing construction are already affecting the coastal environment.
Following growing protests, the Ministry of Environment visited the site on 6 August. Officials confirmed the works meet EIA requirements, with sand sourced from land-based stockpiles and mitigation measures such as geotextile screens and secure access in place. However, the works were temporarily suspended on 5 August, and the developer has been instructed to meet with fishermen and other stakeholders to address concerns.
No violations were found during the inspection, but local residents remain worried that the project could upset the ecological balance and undermine the socio-economic stability of the community. The hotel’s management has not yet issued any public statement.
