The coronavirus epidemic hampers the mechanics of many sectors of activity, starting with that of fishing. With confinement, no one goes to the fishmongers and the fishermen can no longer afford to go out to sea. Europe 1 interviewed fishermen from the fish market in Port-en-Bessin, in Normandy.

REPORTAGE

In France, the fishing sector is suffering due to the coronavirus epidemic. With the population confined, demand for seafood products has dropped, causing prices to plummet. In Port-en-Bessin, in Normandy, boats stay in port and the stands of the fish market are becoming scarce.

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"We are no longer profitable, we have too many costs, too many expenses, compared to the price of fish," deplores Wilfried. Like him, most of the fishermen did not go to sea on Saturday. They preferred to take the time to repair their ships at the port. "A boat like mine is 14,000 liters of diesel fuel for a week at sea ... So we can't give the guys wages."

"We don't see anyone"

At the fish market, a little further on, only one stall, as opposed to eight usually, is open. The hubbub of the locals who came to discuss and buy their fish has been replaced for a few days by the song of the seagulls. For Yannick, the days are endless: "We don't see anyone, we wait. We clean, we look for solutions. We live from day to day."

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"There are certain places in France that no longer take fish at all," exclaims Estelle Leprévost. Wholesaler, it usually supplies all of France with fish "made in Normandy". Schools and restaurants having closed, the shortfall is huge for her. "I provide a client who only serves the great restaurants of Lyon, the fine restaurants. This week, he didn't call me at all."

Noble fish are therefore found at bargain prices on the stalls. But some fishmongers may well be forced to close next week due to lack of merchandise.