Yes, collecting sea glass in Colombia is generally legal, but compliance hinges on adherence to environmental and coastal management laws enforced by regional authorities. The practice is permitted in most areas unless prohibited by local conservation decrees or protected marine zones.
Key Regulations for Collecting Sea Glass in Colombia
- Protected Marine Areas: Collection is banned in Áreas Marinas Protegidas (AMP) under Decreto 1076 de 2015, which designates 30+ coastal and island reserves where all natural resource extraction is restricted.
- National Natural Parks: Activities within Parques Nacionales Naturales (e.g., Tayrona, Gorgona) require prior authorization from Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia (PNNC), with sea glass collection typically denied under Ley 1955 de 2019.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Cartagena and Santa Marta may impose seasonal bans (e.g., Acuerdo 029 de 2023 in Bolívar) to protect fragile ecosystems during peak tourism months.
Violations may trigger fines under Ley 2111 de 2021 (up to 10,000 UVT) or criminal liability if deemed illegal resource extraction. Always verify zoning maps via INVEMAR and consult ANLA for project-specific permits.