2. Economic context

Recently, sales of oysters have plummeted (from – 30 to – 50 %) due to numerous intoxications. From December 27 to January 19, 2023, oysters from the Bay of Arcachon were banned from sale for 24 days, due to a norovirus that caused an epidemic of gastroenteritis. The oyster industry produces around 85,000 tonnes of oysters a year, representing sales of 430 million euros, including 19,000 tonnes for Marennes-Oléron. France is the leading producer, exporter and consumer of oysters in Europe, and the only 100% natural oyster farm, with 16,000 ha of oyster beds and 1,610 km of bouchot lines. French consumption is around 1.1 kg/year (figure 2 ).