Preservation of the Glénan: simple actions to protect the wildlife and flora

The Glénan archipelago hosts protected species and fragile natural habitats, including nesting birds, grey seals, marine birds such as the Balearic puffin, dune environments, and a particular coastal flora.

Simple actions to adopt immediately:

• Stay on marked trails;
• Keep your dogs on a leash;
• Do not use drones;
• Respect safety distances:
• 200 meters from grey seals;
• 300 meters from resting marine birds.

Dogs are prohibited on beaches from 1 June to 30 September.

An interdepartmental protection order for habitats and natural environments is expected to come into effect in 2027, to regulate access to sensitive areas.

Current regulations:

• Prohibition of motorized watercraft (jet-skis, sea scooters) in a wide area, except for transit to the Pie and the Saint-Nicolas dock via the Chambre channel.
• Speed limit of 5 knots in access channels, and 8 knots from 15 June to 15 September.
• Access restrictions to certain islands (Île aux Moutons, îlot de la Croix, Île de Cigogne, northern part of Île de Penfret) from 1 April to 31 August to protect nesting birds.
• Protection of the Natura 2000 site 1974 on Île Saint-Nicolas for the Glénan narcissus.

The Archipelago Council, chaired by the Prefect of Finistère, the Maritime Prefect of the Atlantic, the Mayor of Fouesnant, and the President of the Community of Municipalities of Pays Fouesnantais, is overseeing the preservation project.

Working groups were established in 2025 on three themes:

• Preservation of islands and islets of ecological significance (fauna, flora, habitats);
• Terrestrial visitation (peak visitation periods, carrying capacity, visitor limits);
• Maritime visitation (water body uses, usage conflicts, disturbances).

Strategic objectives of the project:

• Protect natural heritage, particularly sites of high ecological value;
• Regulate terrestrial and maritime visitation;
• Receive in good conditions, with communication, awareness, and safety.

Planned measures:

• Issuance of an inter-departmental decree for habitat and natural environment protection;
• Regulation of nautical activities;
• Buoyage plans at priority sites (Nord Tombolo, Le Loc’h);
• Visitor counting system to be studied in 2026;
• New low-impact collective and individual moorings;
• Cross-cutting actions: communication, monitoring and evaluation, awareness.

More information: ville-fouesnant.fr/preservons-larchipel-des-glenan