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Algae bloom killing oysters along French coast

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Michael Strempel
September 4, 2025

On France's Brittany coast, fisherman fight to save their oysters from a harmful form of this plant-like organism. This is what's behind the crisis.

A toxic algae plague is devastating Brittany's oyster farms and coastline. Fueled by nitrate-rich runoff from industrial agriculture and rising sea temperatures, the algae suffocate marine life and release deadly gases when decomposing.

Oyster farmers face massive losses, while environmentalists and victims' families push for stronger action. Scientists urge recycling algae into usable materials such as plastics and cosmetics.

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