Can Geographical Indications promote sustainable shellfish farming? The example of Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel mussels

This paper investigates the potential of Geographical Indications to enhance environmental sustainability bivalve aquaculture, with a focus on Protected Designation Origin (PDO) granted bouchot mussel bay Mont Saint-Michel (BMSM). First, retrospective analysis PDO application process was carried out provide insight into specific and regulatory issues facing farming in BMSM (e.g. common resource management). Second, further assessment relied comparative other public labelling strategies developed by farmers, notably emerging organic certification. involved setting up an ad-hoc grid evaluate different dimensions sustainability, namely economic, governance. The discussion then addresses promote sustainable respect current trends food/mussel market increasing demand for preservation marine coastal areas. It also emphasises overlap between EU schemes that questions their consistency legibility, particularly aquaculture. In conclusion, system quality linked origin has provided appropriate framework supporting implementation BMSM, thanks relevance inclusiveness institutional support. Next, strengthen legitimacy guarantee methods increase protection market, more adaptive management label is recommended.