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

Geographical Indications, such as the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for bouchot mussels from the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, can effectively promote sustainable shellfish farming. The study found that the PDO framework, with its inclusive process and institutional support, has provided a suitable structure for implementing environmentally responsible mussel farming practices in the bay. However, to further strengthen the legitimacy and market protection of the PDO label, more adaptive management is recommended. This research involved a retrospective analysis of the PDO application process, focusing on environmental and regulatory challenges, and a comparative assessment with other labelling strategies like organic certification. The study evaluated sustainability across economic, environmental, and governance dimensions, highlighting the potential of PDO to address growing market demands for environmentally preserved marine products while also noting inconsistencies among EU labelling schemes.

Girard, S. (2022). Can Geographical Indications promote sustainable shellfish farming? The example of Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel mussels. Marine Policy, 135, 104845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104845