A very precise diagnosis
Thanks to a creative and robust methodology, the association IODDE (Île d'Oléron Développement Durable Environnement) has been able to draw up a very precise diagnosis of foot fishing around Oléron. Every year, some 220,000 fishermen visit the foreshore. Fishing has become a vacation activity, starting in spring and especially in summer. In fact, 92% of those who fish are visitors. When the tide is high and the weather is fine, up to 7,000 anglers can be out on foot simultaneously around the island.
The studies made it possible to precisely define the threats: damage to the environment (overturning of rocks, ploughing of mudflats, etc.), wastage, failure to comply with regulatory minimum sizes, etc.
Based on this knowledge, a large-scale educational initiative was launched. The book reveals the results, and the improvements are encouraging.
The different types of fishing available on Oléron
Even if the majority of Oleron's anglers have their own habits, the island offers a wide range of possibilities: depending on the season, the nature of the foreshore, the tidal coefficient and the angler's preferences, you'll choose curries, clams (in summer), sea urchins (in winter!) or even luisettes, shrimps, limpets... The book describes some thirty different practices: where to go, how to go about it, the best tips... And even a few recipes!
It also emphasizes the possibility of going out onto the foreshore without the aim of harvesting, just to observe and admire the biodiversity, have fun temporarily spotting a crustacean, taste a peppery seaweed...
All practical information
How do you take good care of your harvest, how do you drain your shellfish? What are the regulations, who decides them and who monitors them? Where is the only scientific foreshore concession in France, and what is its purpose? What are the health effects of seafood? How can we anticipate high tides and ensure our own safety? The book answers all these questions. It also contains a glossary in Oleron dialect, and topics for future debate.
This book brings together a wealth of knowledge on :
- The history of foot fishing on Oléron since prehistoric times, from a subsistence activity to a popular pastime
- The ecology of foreshores and their astonishing biodiversity
- A detailed explanation of the various fishing possibilities around Oléron, the results of studies on fishing practices, and advice on how to fish in a respectful manner
- All the practical information you need to get the most out of your shellfish, learn about the tidal cycle, get recipe ideas, learn how to speak Oleron dialect...
Passionate authors
Jean-Baptiste Bonnin is the main author of this book, and is well acquainted with foot fishing, having practised it on the island since childhood. Passionate about nature and education, for almost twenty years, until 2022, he coordinated the projects of the IODDE association (CPIE Marennes-Oléron). His vision of the field is complemented by his professional approach as a trainer and advisor on ecological issues.
Francine Fèvre is a lexicographer, naturalist and lock manager at Les Sables-Vignier. She is involved in a number of local initiatives.
Jacques Pigeot is the local foreshore specialist, both as a naturalist and as a lifelong fisherman on Oléron. His career as a teacher and researcher has led him to publish numerous scientific articles.
For seven years, Adrien Privat was employed by the CPIE, where he was in charge of projects relating to fishing on foot, both locally and nationally. In this capacity, he contributed his scientific rigor and appetite for information analysis.
Foot fishing on the Ile d'Oléron
- Number of pages: 303
- Format: 22 x 27 cm
- Publisher: Local éditions and CPIE Marennes-Oléron
- Price: ?25
- Postage and packing: ?7
