Shellfish farming

In South Brittany and particularly in the Pays de Lorient area, there are 24 companies including two on the Island of Groix.

The different types of shellfish farming:

Oyster farming:

It takes 3 to 4 years for oysters to grow. Different methods of production are used:

• Flat
• On tables
• In deep water
• On ropes

As is the case for wine, we speak of “vintages” of oysters according to the oyster farming or maturing site.

Mussel farming:

3 main farming methods are used:

• Farming on stakes (alignments of stakes)
• Farming on suspended ropes in the open sea
• Farming flat directly on the ground or on tables

Depending on the method used, the mussels reach maturity at between 12 and 18 months.

Cockle farming:

The cockle seedlings can be laid at sea or at low tide and they grow for 18 months to 2 years.

They must then be immersed in a pool to clean them and to remove sand.

Clam farming:

Clams can only be sown at low tide and they grow for approximately 18 months.

Two techniques are used:

• The enclosure
• The horizontal net is unfurled on the seeded part.

Ormer farming:

Ormer farming takes place at the Island of Groix, it is still under developed however.