International opposition to the proposed mussel farms off Omaha Beach

After mentioning, in an edition of April 27, a proposal for mussel farms off Omaha Beach, the newspaper reported on the mobilization led by Patrick Elie. Creator of a site devoted to June 6, 1944, he opposed this installation in the name of the preservation of the historic site.

By the time the article went to press, he had received 810 emails of support. They came from the European Union, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Internet exchanges had also raised awareness among history teachers in France.

The messages reported expressed above all a refusal based on the memory of the Landing. Their authors wanted to preserve the memory of the soldiers and invoked the presence of bodies remaining at sea near the location in question. The article restores these arguments and the indignation expressed by the opponents.

One Friday morning, Patrick Elie gave about 600 of the first reactions to the mayor of Vierville-sur-Mer, Jean-Marie Oxéant. He also opposed the project. The newspaper describes residents queuing to consult the plans and write their opposition on the complaints book.

The public utility survey was due to end the following Tuesday. At this stage of the mobilization, observations could still be filed with the town hall or sent by email.

Archive image: https://vierville.cordelle.eu/Photos2008/2002-Mouliere-PatElie-Mai2002.jpg