Yes, collecting sea glass in Peru is legal but strictly regulated under environmental and coastal management laws.
Peruvian law permits small-scale collection of sea glass as a non-commercial activity, provided it adheres to sustainability guidelines enforced by regional authorities. However, commercial extraction or large-scale removal triggers compliance with the Ley General del Ambiente (Law No. 28611) and requires permits from the Servicio Nacional de Certificación Ambiental (SENACE) and Ministerio de la Producción (PRODUCE). Recent 2026 amendments to coastal zone regulations (Decreto Supremo No. 010-2026-MINAM) impose stricter monitoring of extractive activities to prevent ecological harm, particularly in protected marine areas like the Reserva Nacional de Paracas.
Key Regulations for Collecting Sea Glass in Peru
- Permit Requirements: Non-commercial collection under 5 kg per person per day is exempt from permits, but commercial activities or larger quantities mandate prior approval from PRODUCE and SENACE.
- Protected Zones: Extraction is prohibited in national reserves, marine protected areas (e.g., Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes), and within 50 meters of coastal infrastructure.
- Sustainability Mandates: Collectors must comply with Plan Nacional de Gestión Integral de Residuos Sólidos (2025-2030), ensuring minimal ecological disruption and reporting annual volumes to local environmental agencies.