The economics of fishing and oyster farming in the Arcachon Basin

The Arcachon Basin is known for oyster farming and fishing. Both activities are rooted in the history of the region. If they have such a large place, it is thanks in particular to the privileged environment offered by the Basin. Indeed, it is the only indented on the long Atlantic coast. The Basin communicates with the sea through a narrow opening called “passes”. They offer a peaceful, shallow basin that empties and fills to the rhythm of the tides. This framework makes it possible to make fishing and oyster farming the two economic activities of the Basin.

However, although nature offers all its wealth to allow the exploitation of its resources, the situation of oyster farmers and fishermen of the Arcachon Basin is in fact much more complex and often in tads. In this context, locals try to enhance these areas with unusual experiences especially with fisherman’s huts for rent on the Arcachon Basin

An economic situation between fear and hope.

Since the 19th century, oyster fishing has continued to develop on the Arcachon Basin. Thus it became one of the first sectors of activity, along with fishing. Despite all these years of experience, these sectors often find themselves under way. Indeed, like many others, they were not spared by the health crisis of Covid-19. The entire local economy has been at a standstill. According to Thierry Lafon, the chairman of the regional committee for shellfish farming, the sector lost 80% of its turnover during the crisis. A loss that was accompanied by a ban on the sale of oysters to deconfine due to the presence of micro algae dinophysis, toxic, which prevent consumption. (1)

This common problem torments oyster farmers every year and blocks them in their sales. The fishing sector has also not been spared. Also affected by the crisis, local fishermen are clashing against industrial fishing with which they cannot compete. Both sectors seem to agree that the Arcachon Basin is in a sad state, following mismanagement.

Putting in place concrete measures for fishing and oyster farming

Faced with this observation, it seems important to react to support the two economic pillars of the Arcachon Basin. As a result, the region will benefit from the national recovery plan to support the fishing and aquaculture sectors. (2) In addition, a report sent by Sophie Panonacle, MP LREM, sent to the President of the Republic. It reports on the maritime economy and proposes 150 measures to advance the economy of the sea. These measures include support for fishermen and aquaculturists as well as the development of French seafood products. (3)

In this context, the Minister of the Sea, Annick Girardin, wants to reconcile an economy that reconciles ecology on the Arcachon Basin. This new challenge must be taken into account in order to preserve the natural resources that allow the sector to live. It is also a way for new generations to continue to see hope in this sector. The aim is not to lose our know-how and to value it among young people. There is also a High School, the Lycée de la Mer for the trades of the sea in Gujan-Mestras. With training in aquaculture production and marine crops, it is dedicated to training the professionals of the sea of tomorrow.

Spread fishing and oyster farming with fisherman’s huts for rent on the Arcachon Basin

As a result, actions are being taken to support both sectors economically. However, there are also other possibilities for the development of oyster farming and fishing in the Arcachon Basin. Indeed, the region has a strong tourist attraction that allows to develop economic activity and to spread the know-how of which we are so proud. To introduce tourists to these two sectors, we see different activities emerging.

One can enjoy a fisherman’s hut for rent on the Arcachon Basin. Indeed, the tourist rental platforms offer atypical and traditional accommodations of the region. Travellers can sleep in a wooden fisherman’s hut in the village of Claouey in Cape Ferret (4). It is also possible to live a day in the shoes of an oyster farmer or fisherman (5). Indeed, the House of The Oyster of Gujan-Mestras offers outings from 4 to 5 hours to discover the two trades.

Thus, the fishing and oyster farming sectors are the two economic pillars of the Arcachon Basin. It is also a cultural and identity heritage dear to the region. However, the situation for professionals is not so calm. Between the impacts of the health crisis, sales bans and industrial competition, both sectors find it difficult to see the future. But politicians are committed to reviving the economy through a stimulus package and a detailed report proposing solutions for the near future. It should also be noted that the attractiveness of the region must be at the service of its two sectors. Hoping to see the horizon clear soon.

(1) Temporary ban on fishing and consumption of shellfish from the Arcachon Basin – Gironde.gouv – Updated on 15/05/2020 http://www.gironde.gouv.fr/Actualites/Communiques-et-dossiers-de-presse/Interdiction-temporaire-de-la-peche-et-de-la-consommation-des-coquillages-du-Bassin-d-Arcachon

(2) Twitter Annick Girardin – Published July 17, 2020

(3) Report happy blue days competitive and decarbonized maritme economy- Sophie Panonacle http://sophie-panonacle.fr/rapport-happy-blue-days-economie-maritime-competitive-decarbonee/

(4) Fisherman’s Cabin Cap Ferret Arcachon – Airbnb

(5) Living a day as an oyster farmer or fisherman on the Basin – Arcachon Basin

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