Yes, collecting sea glass is generally legal in Brazil, but compliance hinges on adherence to environmental and maritime laws. The activity is permitted on public beaches, provided it does not violate protected areas or local ordinances. Recent 2026 updates to the Lei de Proteção da Biodiversidade Marinha (Law No. 14.592/2023) impose stricter monitoring of coastal resource extraction, requiring collectors to verify non-protected status of harvested materials.
Key Regulations for Collecting Sea Glass in Brazil
- Protected Areas: Collection is prohibited in Unidades de Conservação (Conservation Units) managed by ICMBio (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade). Violations may trigger fines up to R$ 50,000 under Decreto Federal 6.514/2008.
- Commercial Exploitation: Selling sea glass requires a Licença Ambiental from state environmental agencies (e.g., CETESB in São Paulo). Unauthorized trade risks penalties under Lei de Crimes Ambientais (Law No. 9.605/1998).
- Cultural Heritage: Artifacts older than 100 years or deemed part of Patrimônio Cultural Subaquático (under Portaria IPHAN 07/2018) are federally protected; removal is a felony offense.
Collectors must also comply with municipal beach management plans, which may impose seasonal restrictions or quotas. Failure to comply may result in confiscation of materials and legal proceedings. Consult local environmental offices (e.g., Secretaria Municipal de Meio Ambiente) for jurisdiction-specific rules.