5. Conclusion

Oyster farming is a vital natural and industrial activity, based on coastal economies and a sustainable seafood resource. Nevertheless, oyster farmers are faced with a number of major challenges, requiring both innovative solutions and adaptation to farmers' expectations.

These environmental challenges concern several levels:

• Biological challenges: reducing overpopulation which degrades the habitat in terms of hypoxia, algal blooms, combating diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites, productivity, understanding natural catchment, creating new strains of disease-resistant oysters, resizing sewage systems and improving hygiene at all levels of the chain, combating predation by crabs, starfish, sea breams, etc. using anti-intrusion bags, baskets or cages.

• Operational challenges:...