The Camargue, regional park in Provence

But the reed marsh of the regional park of Camargue is fragile, and little by little it is deteriorating. The reed-cutters are not the only ones to roam its 2000 hectares. Fishers, hunters and breeders are also at home here, and they don't all have the same interests. Especially in regards to water managment in the marshes of the regional park of Camargue. "The fishermen want water all year round and they want to control the entry of water during the spawning season," notes Alain Sandoz (*), researcher, "the reed-cutters want a short drying up in summer and above all water renewal. The breeders don't want too much water, to have more pasture. Waterfowl hunters, who make up an important pressure group, demand a summer water supply in order to attract the fowl at the opening of the hunting season, but also to be able to move around the marshes of this regional park of Camargue in small boats." In order to control water entry as they wish, private owners install their own dykes. Result : the arrival of polluted salt water by way of the Canal du Rhône at Sète, and untimely emptyings have worsened the state of the marshes and ponds. "We all have to assume our part of the responsibility," admits André. "Now we're trying to repair the damage, but it's too late. In any case, in regards to the reed-cutters. The exploitable areas have diminished, and the reeds are less dense, less tall, less lovely." And the harvest is less profitable.