Salmon Mega-Farm Project Gets Green Light Amid Environmental Concerns

A large-scale salmon farming project in Verdon-sur-Mer, France, has cleared another hurdle despite significant opposition. The proposed €280 million facility, spearheaded by Pure Salmon, aims to produce 10,000 tons of salmon annually in a closed-system environment and create 400 jobs.

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food sovereignty

The project recently received a favorable opinion from the Departmental Council for Environment, Health, and Technological Risks (Coderst). This advisory opinion precedes a final decision by the prefect of Gironde on the environmental permit, expected in the coming weeks. This follows a similar positive assessment from a public inquiry commission in March.

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completely disproportionate

Pure Salmon, funded by a Singaporean investment fund, argues the project is crucial for "food sovereignty," as France currently imports 99% of its salmon. The company asserts its "proven technology" minimizes environmental impact and prioritizes animal welfare with "responsible and traceable" feed.

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impact mastered on biodiversity

However, environmental groups and some scientific bodies remain highly critical. Twenty-seven NGOs have labeled the project "completely disproportionate," warning it could threaten the ecosystem of Europe's largest estuary. They are advocating for a ten-year moratorium on such "mega-farms." Additionally, a proposed law seeking this moratorium has been stalled in the National Assembly since March 2025. Concerns have also been raised about the project's waste discharge and its potential impact on local fishing and shellfish industries.

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animal welfare is at the heart of the project