Attracting the young to oyster farming

With its large shallow bay and famous Dune of Pilat, Arcachon is an attractive area which has become increasingly reliant on tourism, while traditional production activities such as aquaculture have struggled to retain their place in the local economy. This decline in oyster farms has also been detrimental to the marine environment, given the important role oysters play in maintaining water quality.  

To halt this downturn, the Regional Shellfish Farming Committee partnered with local maritime college and the careers office to promote oyster farming as an attractive career for the young. Oyster farmers took time out of their day job to go into schools and talk about their work and excursions were organised outside school hours for pupils to visit the area’s oyster farms.  Boats specially equipped for pesca-tourism allowed pupils to see the activity close-up, followed up an opportunity to taste the oysters.

Around 10 youngsters a year are now starting up as oyster farmers in the area and the FLAG has further plans to promote the local fishing activity and the availability of local seafood in school canteens.