The proposed mega-salmon farm in Verdon-sur-Mer has reached a decisive stage. The public inquiry commission has issued a favorable opinion on this industrial facility, led by the company Pure Salmon, despite massive opposition. The prefect of the Gironde department will now have to decide on the final authorization.
Estimated at €280 million, the project plans for the annual production of 10.000 tonnes of salmon in a closed-loop system and the creation of approximately 400 jobs. It aligns with the strategy of relocalizing food production, as France currently imports almost all of the salmon it consumes.
A decision under high tension
The favorable opinion comes after more than 20.000 contributions were submitted during the public inquiry, almost all of them unfavorable. NGOs, scientists, and local stakeholders denounce the project as disproportionate, pointing to its water and energy consumption as well as the risks to the Gironde estuary ecosystem.
The commission acknowledges these concerns but believes the project offers sufficient safeguards to control its impacts. However, it has qualified its opinion with two reservations: a gradual increase in production capacity and strict regulation of drinking water use.
The issue remains sensitive. Several environmental bodies have already issued negative opinions, and a bill aimed at establishing a moratorium on this type of installation is under discussion. The prefect's final decision will therefore be closely scrutinized.
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