France is a significant maritime nation, with numerous maritime areas within its jurisdiction, particularly in its outermost regions. Coastal areas, though covering only 4% of continental France, host a large population and tourism sector, influencing significantly the economy. Coastal populations including fishers are shifting inland due to high real estate costs. The coastal economy is driven by tourism, fisheries, and other maritime activities, creating both consumer-facing and business-to-business jobs. Socioeconomic disparities exist, with varying incomes and unemployment rates between mainland and outermost regions, contributing to inequalities in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. It seems that French society has evolved towards more social liberal attitudes, with strong values placed on family, work, friendships, and leisure activities. The fisheries industry in France is structured around diverse fishing activities regulated from the Rural and Fisheries Act of 2010. Fishing is classified based on vessel size, duration of operations, gear types, and target species. The fishing fleet is highly diversified, with over 6,000 vessels operating in different maritime regions, such as the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and the outermost regions. Fleet reduction initiatives have been implemented to balance fishing capacity with opportunities, resulting in a 30% reduction in vessels between 2000 and 2023. Despite this reduction, the fleet remains significant, contributing to the economy and representing various social and economic functions. The fleet primarily targets fish, molluscs, and crustaceans, with a wide range of species caught for human consumption. The fishing sector plays a substantial role in France's coastal culture and economy (less than 1% of the GDP), ranking as a major fishing country in Europe. Small-scale and artisanal fishers usually use dedicated auctions for landing, while industrial fleets can land their catches in their registered port or the nearest fishing harbour in their operating area. Fisheries industry involves various stakeholders as such as fishmongers, fish shops, and processors who purchase fish either at auctions or directly from fishers. Direct consumer sales are common in small-scale fisheries, often contacted by fishers' wives or partners.
