Pure Salmon Secures Landmark Environmental Authorization for “Saumon du Médoc” Project in France
Le Verdon-sur-Mer, France – August 7, 2026 – Pure Salmon, a global leader in sustainable aquaculture, has announced a significant milestone in its ambitious global expansion strategy with the official granting of environmental authorization for its "Saumon du Médoc" project. This pivotal approval, secured on August 3, 2026, completes the rigorous regulatory and technical review process for the state-of-the-art land-based salmon farm at the industrial port in Le Verdon-sur-Mer.
This crucial environmental green light follows a series of positive developments, including the building permit granted in June 2026, a favorable opinion from the public inquiry commission, and the affirmative recommendation issued by CODERST (the Departmental Council for the Environment and Health and Technological Risks) on July 2.
"The granting of this environmental authorization is the culmination of a rigorous review process carried out in close cooperation with government departments and local stakeholders," stated Stéphane Farouze, Founder of Pure Salmon and 8F Asset Management. "It completes a step-by-step process following the building permit and the favorable opinion issued by CODERST. We are immensely proud to establish this project for the long term under the name ‘Saumon du Médoc’, further strengthening our close connection with this remarkable region."
AQUACULTURE FOR THE FUTURE: A MODEL OF SUSTAINABILITY
The "Saumon du Médoc" facility is poised to become a benchmark for sustainable aquaculture. The project will leverage cutting-edge Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology, ensuring controlled land-based salmon production that is entirely antibiotic-free and characterized by meticulous management of local natural resources. This innovative approach builds upon Pure Salmon’s established operational expertise, drawing directly from the success of its facilities in Japan, which commenced operations in May 2026.
Beyond its inherent environmental ambitions, the "Saumon du Médoc" initiative directly addresses several critical regional and national priorities:
- **Economic Development:** The project is projected to generate 250 new jobs at Pointe du Médoc, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
- **Food Sovereignty:** By establishing local production of salmon, France’s most widely consumed fish, the project aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on imports, enhancing food security and domestic supply chains.
- **Circular Feed Production:** A pioneering aspect of the project is its commitment to circular feed production. This involves the exclusive use of fish-processing by-products as the sole source of marine ingredients (fish meal and fish oil) in feed, effectively replacing the traditional reliance on foraged fish and promoting a more sustainable ecosystem.
Pure Salmon reiterates its unwavering commitment to ongoing dialogue, full transparency, and strict adherence to all requirements set forth by regulatory authorities.
LOCAL PRODUCTION, FROM FARM TO PROCESSING: EMBRACING THE “CHOOSE FRANCE” INITIATIVE
"Saumon du Médoc" is a wholly French-registered and based company, reflecting Pure Salmon’s deep commitment to the region. Launched in 2022, the broader Pure Salmon project aims to develop and operate an environmentally responsible aquaculture facility that integrates an advanced processing plant in Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Gironde.
This ambitious undertaking will see the production of salmon whose entire life cycle takes place within France. This "farm-to-fork" approach offers a compelling solution to some of the current health and environmental challenges often associated with traditional sea-based salmon farming. Recognized under the prestigious "Choose France" initiative, Pure Salmon is dedicated to cultivating sustainable and responsible salmon production. This commitment is underpinned by an ambitious corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy that prioritizes environmental stewardship, fish welfare, and the well-being of its employees.
The granting of this environmental authorization marks a pivotal moment for Pure Salmon and the future of sustainable aquaculture in France, paving the way for a new era of locally produced, high-quality salmon.
