Verdon-sur-Mer residents protest proposed salmon farm

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Verdon-sur-Mer to oppose a proposed 280-million-euro land-based salmon farm scheduled for construction in 2027. The project, led by Pure Salmon and backed by Singaporean capital, aims to utilize 14 hectares to produce up to 10,000 tonnes of fish annually in a closed-circuit system, promising 250 jobs.

Demonstrators, including local officials and activists, expressed concerns regarding the environmental impact on the Gironde estuary. Opponents fear that waste discharge could degrade water quality, threatening existing local industries such as tourism, fishing, and oyster farming. Karine Coustolle, the mayor of Saint-Vivien du Médoc, noted that while jobs are desirable, they should not come at the expense of established local livelihoods.

Organizers estimated the crowd at 2,000 participants, while local authorities reported approximately 500. Critics have characterized the venture as an experimental project with insufficient guarantees, noting that a public inquiry received over 20,000 contributions, most of which were unfavorable.