In Leucate, in Aude, oyster farmers are on alert. At issue: the multiple thefts of oysters they face.
To counter the phenomenon, they are working hand in hand with the gendarmes to put an end to the thefts of the queens at the end of the year table.
In this pond of 23 producers, the looting of oysters is legion. A scourge which represents a real shortfall for fishermen.
France is the leading producer, consumer and exporter of oysters in Europe, with nearly 130,000 tonnes produced per year on average, according to industry figures.
The total turnover of the sector is estimated at 120 million euros.