4 minute read
CULTIVATING NATURE
Estelle Desmullier takes a look at how caviar farmers, Sturia, work alongside nature to create and conserve the perfect, bio-diverse environment for its fish
WORDS ESTELLE DESMULLIER | TRANSLATION CARRÉ TRANSLATIONS
Fish farmers use one of our most precious resources – water. This is the case with the ‘caviar farmer’ Sturia. Based in Aquitaine, a stone’s throw from the Gironde estuary and in the middle of woodland, the nature in which its fish farms are located, constitutes an authentic setting that everyone cherishes, is keen to conserve and preserve, both for the well-being of the fish and for that of the naturallypresent flora and fauna. Hence, we discover that not only do they farm sturgeon, they also cultivate nature.
Water, it should be noted, is not consumed but only borrowed. And while human activity and living beings obviously have an impact on their environment, it can sometimes be a positive one.
We learn that what is waste for some – whether they are fish, plants or microorganisms, all consume food and nutrients and produce waste – can serve as food for others.
Inspired by the ingenuity of Mother Nature, these sturgeon farmers have created a balanced ecological environment favourable for purification, by bringing together fish, plants, algae and phytoplankton. Hence, carp can be found in the buffer zones. Excellent at cleaning ponds, they contribute to the elimination of unwanted plants in a natural way.
Thanks to their expertise, they also introduced bacterial carriers (neutrophilic bacteria) that convert ammonia into nitrites. Natural processes which, aided by UV rays from the sun, eliminate pollutants, allowing them to achieve a neutral balance and to make water cleaner particularly in terms of nitrates.
These actions make these living creatures true guardians of the environment and its biodiversity, they have adapted their practices to the rhythm of nature.
To promote the proper circulation and migration of species, in particular fish from the surrounding rivers such as eel and lamprey, fish passes have been set up on their sites, allowing free movement and good sediment to ensure ecological continuity.
Beyond being seasoned sturgeon breeders, each fish farmer is also involved in the preservation of the sites. Their upkeep is based on observation of ecosystems and the seasons.
The grass around ponds and pools is therefore cut less frequently. The same applies to hedges, embankments and wetlands, which constitute essential shelters and habitats. In addition to reducing atmospheric pollution, these practices make it possible to welcome and promote the development of endemic species, both animal and plant, that contribute to the ecological balance of the site.
Native birds such as the egret, stork, heron and kingfisher, migratory birds such as the osprey and teal along with fish, frogs, and European pond turtles come here to find refuge. It is also not uncommon to see the traces of a mischievous otter on the Carillon fish farm, after sneaking into the grass with a stolen fish. These discreet small mammals do not settle just anywhere. They pay great attention to the structure of the landscape, in particular to the vegetation which plays an important role for the tranquility and safety of their habitat and refuge areas.
And what a surprise to see a genet appear in Colombier – it takes patience, and you have to be a night owl, as genets are nocturnal. This little-known small carnivore lives mainly in calm environments, away from human activity, in humid places, near springs and in wooded areas. In terms of flora, a wide variety of wild orchids populate these areas, and are a delight!
So, you will understand that being a farmer means being attentive, adapting to nature – and not the other way around – and taking action to preserve it.
Article from Créac: Caviar’s world by Sturia #2 (2021)
Magazine édited by Sturia 102, Route de Beauval 33450 Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac
