Farming
Type of works
Oysters
Bouzigues oysters are farmed in a distinctive method : ’collage’ or sticking. This traditional technique, which is unique in France, produces regularly-shaped oysters with a classic iodine flavour.
When they measure about 3cm, the oysters are stuck one by one on ropes. These ropes are suspended from trays and immersed in the pond during the oysters’ growth phase. Thus, oysters are free to develop their shape and absorb the vital elements they need to grow. / Oyster ropes / The large biological diversity and the quality of water in "Etang de Thau" (effectively there are a lot of rare species : sea horses, sea slugs, many species of seaweed, etc.) contribute to give Bouzigues oysters much sought-after taste.
’Exquise’ and ’Tradition’ oysters were awarded first product conformity certification label. They are especially carefully monitored right from when farming begins. Reared on ropes by referenced producers, a complete traceability from the producer to the consumer is guaranteed, as well as "superior" characteristics : optimum freshness, a lot of flesh etc.
Mussel
Traditionally, ropes with young mussels are immersed beneath trays in the lagoon. As with oysters, the outstanding water quality in "Etang de Thau" enables them to grow good-sized with tasty flesh.
In 1989, tests were carried out to farm mussels in the Mediterranean on sub-surface longlines. Médithau was a partner of this experiment and will produce mussels using this technique for over 10 years. By the 2000s, extensive attacks by bream were threatening the viability of this production, which now plays only a marginal role.