France Held Liable in Jogger's Death Due to Toxic Algae Bloom

France Liable in Jogger's Toxic Algae Death

A civil court in Nantes has ruled that the French government bears partial responsibility for the 2016 death of Jean-Rene Auffray. Auffray, a 50-year-old jogger, died after inhaling high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide on a beach in western Brittany.

Court Ruling and Negligence

The court stated it "holds the state liable for negligence due to its failure to implement European and national regulations designed to protect waters from agricultural pollution," which is the main cause of green algae proliferation in Brittany. This marks the first time a French court has recognized the link between a person's death and state negligence in green algae cases.

Overturning Prior Ruling

Auffray's family initially lost their case in 2022. However, the Nantes court overturned the prior ruling, finding the French state 60% responsible for Auffray's death. The court also noted that Auffray had put himself at risk by jogging in the affected area.

Compensation and Agricultural Impact

Auffray's widow will receive €277,343, while each of his three children will receive €15,000, and his brother €9,000.

Brittany's intensive agriculture, particularly pig farming, contributes significantly to the algae bloom issue. Excessive use of nitrate fertilizers and runoff from pig farms exacerbate the problem. Deadly sulfide concentrations regularly close beaches, costing taxpayers millions in algae removal.

Algae Bloom Origins

A 2021 report indicated that an estimated 90% of Brittany's algae bloom could be traced back to farmers, who have significantly increased their use of nitrogen fertilizers since the 1960s. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices.