Overview
- The first site, the southern Hohwachter Bucht, entered into force Tuesday, with Geltinger Bucht–Schleimündung and an area west of Fehmarn set to follow this week.
- The designations ban destruction, extraction and disturbance of habitats, which blocks boat-based fishing, hunting, seabed works and resource mining inside the zones.
- Non-extractive recreation remains allowed in the areas, including swimming, bathing, diving and shore fishing on foot with a hand line.
- The state plans extra rules next, including a year-round speed limit to cut underwater noise and seasonal navigation closures in key bird resting areas that require federal approval.
- Angling from boats in these zones now counts as an administrative offense, with fines determined case by case, and tourism hubs nearby will see tighter water-use limits while beaches stay open.