A Dark Secret: What the Biarritz Tide Pools Are Hiding

This summer, my family and I took a two week road trip through the South of France. We stopped in many different cities, including Avignon, Carcassonne, and Biarritz. There were so many great things to explore in each of those cities, but unfortunately, some were also were hiding dark secrets. It was in Biarritz when I first discovered the shocking truth behind their picturesque beaches. On a visit down to the tide pools one morning, we began searching for small sea life, like sea urchins and possibly a shrimp if we were lucky. Instead, we found octopuses, pointed out to us by a young boy carrying a stick. At first, we were thankful that a local was able to point out the wonders these tide pools had to offer, but we soon became quickly concerned about the boy with the stick. You see, at first he used the stick to nudge the octopus out of its hiding place in between rock crevices so he could show us, but it soon became clear that showing the tourists the octopuses was not his original intention. We watched as he began to frighten them away, catch them, and then brutally strangle them and watch gleefully as the life drained from their bodies. Such a fun hobby, right?

Wrong. I was immediately upset, horrified, and shocked to see that this was not only happening here, but all over the tide pools by a few dozen kids. Upon talking more to the young boy, we discovered that they catch them to sell to the seafood restaurants situated along the coast. For the next twenty minutes I sat in shock and sadness, my heart hurting for these poor, innocent, defenseless creatures. They come to the tide pools looking for a safe place, a sanctuary where they can live safely for a while. Instead, they are viciously hunted and spooked out of their homes and brutally murdered by children. I was so upset I could barely speak. My older cousin lives in San Francisco and works with octopuses every day to keep them safe. How could young children be here, oblivious to the damage they’re doing not only to the octopuses but to the environment? Distraught, I promised myself I would do something after vacation...I couldn’t just leave them without a voice like that.

*Above: a photo taken by some friends on our trip after telling them about the octopuses.

One week later, back in Strasbourg, I sat down with my computer and did some research. I figured the first thing I could do was reach out to the city of Biarritz and see what their thoughts are or if they even knew this was happening. I found the site, and quickly sent a message explaining the situation and wondering if it was possible to make the tide pools a sanctuary or protected zone. Next, I checked in with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and read up on their section for what to do if you witness animal abuse. As advised, I submitted a form describing what I witnessed and some other pertinent information. Next, I figured why not reach out to the big guy. Even if I get no reply or any helpful action, they will at least be alerted to the situation and could possibly supply me with the laws of animal rights in France. So, I filled out a form to Emmanuel Macron online.

Within a week or two, I received a reply from PETA. They thanked me for my submission and quickly directed me to a site for animal rights in France called OneVoice. I sent them a message. They replied to me with the name of an animal rights for marine animals in France organization. I sent them a message. They told me there was nothing they could do. This was maddening to hear. I began to re-send all my messages to the people who had not yet replied. I vowed not to stop until I had some sort of definitive answer on the whole ordeal. Finally, after nearly a month, I got a message from the President of France. Well, it was one of his associates writing for him. He basically sent me a list of laws in France for livestock rights that has absolutely nothing to do with what I was talking about (*insert smack forehead emoji here).

So, to conclude, after nearly two months of trying to bring justice for these animals, I’ve got...nothing! Even after sending at least four messages, the city of Biarritz has yet to reply. I will continue sending letters to the Presidence and the city of Biarritz every two weeks until they can actually send me some useful information. As for you, what can you do to help these poor creatures? Sign my petition at

http://chng.it/pyqwkKvjhV !

Have you witnessed animal abuse? Contact PETA or a similar organization immediately!

Hey guys,

This story was a bit difficult for me to write-it really is quite a distressing topic. I hope you guys will help sign my petition and hopefully earn these octopuses some well-deserved rights. After all, they are some of the smartest creatures on Earth! Thanks for supporting me and see you next week!

-Lorelei <3