France－Stricter Controls and Heavy Fines for Seabed Damage in the Mediterranean We have obtained information from our French correspondents, BUDD Marseille, regarding stricter controls on seabed damage in the Mediterranean and practical countermeasures. Maritime authorities across the French Mediterranean coast have significantly intensified surveillance to prevent seabed damage caused by non-compliant anchoring. Please exercise extreme caution when anchoring in these waters, as Members may face vessel detention, heavy fines and criminal penalties. For full details, please find the attached circular from the correspondents.