Corsican Marine Heritage

Despite their historical orientation toward the mountains, Corsicans developed distinctive maritime traditions. The coral divers of Bonifacio pioneered deep-water techniques, harvesting red coral from submarine cliffs. Fishermen developed specific boats—the pointus corses—adapted to local conditions, their Latin sails and shallow drafts perfect for navigating rocky coasts and sudden weather changes.

The island's strategic position made it a base for corsairs—not pirates but state-sanctioned raiders who preyed on enemy shipping. Corsican corsairs, operating from Calvi, Ajaccio, and Bastia, earned fearsome reputations while enriching their communities. This tradition of maritime autonomy persists in modern forms: Corsican shipping companies dominate ferry routes, local fishermen fiercely protect traditional grounds, and marine conservation efforts often originate from local rather than national initiatives.

Traditional fishing methods survive in isolated communities. In the Scandola Reserve's buffer zones, fishermen still use techniques passed down through generations, their intimate knowledge of underwater topography and fish behavior compensating for simple equipment. The pêche à la langouste (spiny lobster fishing) remains artisanal, with fishermen setting traps in secret locations known only to their families.