A public inquiry commission has issued a favourable opinion on plans by Pure Salmon France to build a land-based salmon farm and processing facility in Verdon-sur-Mer, Gironde.
The decision marks a step forward in the permitting process for the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) project, which still requires environmental and construction approvals before work can begin.
The proposed facility is designed to produce up to 10,000 metric tons of Atlantic salmon annually, with fish raised, processed and packaged in France for the domestic market.
According to the company, the project would involve an investment of €275 million ($298 million) and create around 250 jobs in the Médoc region.
The commission’s opinion followed a public inquiry examining environmental aspects of the project, including freshwater use, waste and effluent treatment, and potential impacts on the nearby estuary. The company said the design includes water treatment systems allowing more than 99 percent recirculation, reducing water use and discharge volumes.
“This positive opinion is a decisive step for our project,” said Stéphane Farouze, founder of Pure Salmon.
Engineering for the project is being provided by Pure Salmon Technology, which is responsible for the design and dimensioning of the planned 10,000-tonne facility.
The company said it will now continue the administrative process to secure the remaining permits. Construction is currently targeted to begin in the second half of 2026, with first commercial production planned for 2030.