Oyster farmers have been able to sell their oysters again since January 19, but they believe that this is not enough to limit the damage after the weeks of sales ban.
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Around 80 oyster farmers from the Arcachon Basin are carrying out a filter dam operation this Monday, February 5, on the A660, in both directions, reports France Bleu Gironde. They force motorists to leave the highway which serves the Basin at the commune of Biganos and to go around a roundabout before entering it again. These oyster producers have as their watchword “let’s save Arcachon oyster farming”. Their operation must continue for a good part of the day.
Oysters from the Basin remained prohibited for consumption and sale for 24 days, from December 27 to January 19, due to contamination with norovirus, which causes gastroenteritis. The sector, which generates around 50% of its turnover for the year, deplored a loss of 5 million euros. She therefore calls for help from the State.
Since then, on the markets, it is “a little calm, there is still mistrust”, explains Mathieu Garrigue, oyster farmer in La Teste-de-Buch, to France Bleu Gironde. However, “the oysters are pretty, the quality is there” And “it would be a shame if people deprive themselves of it”, he points out. The demonstrators also set up tasting stands to let motorists taste their oysters.
