The wetlands of Charente-Maritime represent 100,000 ha and are classified in three categories: flooded marshland valleys, freshwater marshes (farmed land) and coastal salt marshes (traditional and modern shellfish farms). The economic character of the latter two categories gives rise to conflicts of use. Both the agricultural and aquacultural professions are particularly sensitive to these conflicts due to the difficult economic times they are currently experiencing. The main issue is freshwater management, in both its qualitative and quantitative aspects. Charente-Maritime climate is characterised by rainy winters and dry summers and all players need water (or wish to evacuate it) during the same periods. It is thus necessary to mediate disputes or even... |