Yes, collecting sea glass in Chile is generally legal, but compliance with environmental and coastal protection laws is mandatory. The activity falls under broader regulations governing marine resource extraction and coastal zone management, requiring adherence to sustainability principles and potential permits.
Key Regulations for Collecting Sea Glass in Chile
- Marine Protection Decree (DS 47/1994): Prohibits the removal of natural resources from protected coastal areas, including beaches within national parks or reserves. Sea glass, as a derivative of marine erosion, may be classified as such if sourced from restricted zones.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Law (Ley 18.892): Requires permits for the extraction of any marine-derived materials, even in non-protected areas. Collectors must verify whether their activity aligns with sustainable resource management policies enforced by the Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura (SUBPESCA).
- Coastal Management Framework (Ley 21.026, 2017): Mandates environmental impact assessments for activities altering coastal ecosystems. Collectors must ensure their actions do not disrupt local biodiversity or violate municipal ordinances, particularly in regions like Valparaíso or Magallanes.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts under the Ministerio del Medio Ambiente emphasize traceability in marine resource extraction. While small-scale, non-commercial collection may face leniency, commercial harvesting risks fines up to 1,000 UTM (~$80,000 USD) for violations. Always consult local maritime authorities or the Servicio Nacional de Pesca (SERNAPESCA) before engaging in the activity.