The current legal regime governing marine farms reflects what French shellfish culture used to be: an artisanal, traditional and family activity. Even if this profession is of social importance, it has never really been taken into account in coastal management decisions. This is the reason why, if aquaculture must expand, the whole related legal regime has to be adapted to the new needs of a profession which is still trying to find itself. New links will develop with the responsible authorities. Conflicts of a new type will rise between the different coastal and marine space users. A rethinking of the standard public property regulations seems necessary. |
