France, Dec. 19 -- The French government says the label is meant to ensure strict protection in parts of the ocean where human activity is limited or banned. Its stated goal is to place 14.8 percent of French maritime waters under strong protection by 2026.

The zones cover areas where activities such as fishing, tourism or hydrocarbon extraction are either prohibited or tightly regulated. The government says the aim is to conserve the most remarkable marine ecosystems and species.

The 63 newly labelled sites include the Cordeliere Bank in the Scattered Islands in the Mozambique Channel, the marine core of Port-Cros National Park in the Mediterranean and a reserve off the Île de Re on the Atlantic coast.

Together, these areas form ...