Données économiques sur la conchyliculture française

15% of the shellfish production in France comes from natural deposits and the other 85% from farming. Years 1980-1990 showed a slight decrease in the shellfish production then a resurgence from 1985 onwards, an increase in the oyster production and a strong decrease in mussel production at the beginning of the 1980's followed by a resurgence due to the increase of open sea activity. In France, the shellfish market represents 300,000 tons, divided between oysters (40%), mussels (30%) and scallops (15%). Importations of mussels and scallops in order to supply the domestic market are important. On the other hand, external trade flows are very low as far as oysters are concerned: France is the only important market for oysters in Europe. (unverified OCR)