Nina Pavan, edited by Ophélie Artaud 08:10, August 13, 2022
While 3 million people flock there every summer, the creeks of Marseille are increasingly suffering from overcrowding.
If measures aimed at reducing the influx of tourists have been put in place on land, on the sea side, the increase in the number of boaters represents a new type of pollution.
In the creeks of Marseille, another type of pollution affects the most frequented national park in summer.
It is linked to the influx of tourists and the 3 million people who flock there each year.
So, to raise awareness of environmental protection, the Calanques National Park is launching a brand new information guide for those who rent boats.
"Hello, I'll take your boat license, please," asks the manager of the Low Cost Marine business in the Old Port to a customer.
Every day, thousands of holidaymakers rent boats to spend the day in the creeks of Marseille.
And he always keeps the same speech.
"Let's have fun, take pleasure and also protect our creeks", he reminds holidaymakers.
Awareness needed
From now on, boat hirers receive a map and an information kit on protected species and creeks where it is forbidden to drop anchor.
A good reminder according to Kevin and his two sailors.
"It's true that I've rented boats before and we've never had so many explanations. I think that's really great."
Even if the message passes differently according to the generations.
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"The public that we have more difficulty in raising awareness of is the young, urban public who will come and enjoy the space in a slightly more recreational way. We address them by using Instagram a lot, so beautiful photos which make you want to look at the document and pass the messages on in the background", explains Julien Tavernier, head of nautical activities.
An essential awareness because the creeks are victims of their success and suffer from overcrowding on land, but also at sea.