Social acceptability of leisure activities regulations in French marine protected areas

The increase in nautical leisure activities within French marine protected areas (MPAs) presents complex challenges for managers. While these activities bring economic benefits and cultural value, they also intensify pressures on marine ecosystems. In response, managers and public authorities are seeking legal solutions to regulate both individual activities and overall visitation. This article examines the legal constraints and opportunities for regulating recreational uses in MPAs through an interdisciplinary design combining (i) legal analysis of the relevant regulatory framework and competent authorities and (ii) empirical fieldwork in two case studies—Port-Cros National Park and the Iroise Marine Park—based on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and visitor questionnaires (n = 228). The results show that social acceptability of rules varies by activity, stakeholder profile, and distance from decision-making centres. They also highlight persistent misunderstandings regarding regulatory competence, with many users attributing greater authority and legitimacy to MPA managers than to maritime prefects, despite the latter holding key administrative police powers at sea. The article concludes that improving communication and strengthening participatory procedures are necessary conditions to enhance the perceived legitimacy and effectiveness of leisure-activity regulation in French MPAs.