French state partially responsible for jogger’s death from green algae on Brittany beach
Green algae can be toxic and has also been linked to the deaths of several animals near to the beach
Several beaches in the region are covered by algae
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A French court has ruled that the state is partially responsible for the death of a jogger in Brittany due to the presence of green algae on the beach where his body was found.
A court found his death was due to inhalation of hydrogen sulfide caused by the algae.
The administrative appeals court in Nantes ruled the government failed to implement European security regulations on water protection, which led to the proliferance of the algae.
It is the first time a court has stated the government is liable following an algae-related death, and is a landmark ruling following years of legal struggle, after a court in Rennes previously dismissed the case in 2022.
The state must now pay compensation to the man’s family.
‘Instant’ death caused by inhaling toxic gas
Jogger Jean-René Auffray was found dead on a beach near Hillion (Côtes-d'Armor) in 2016 following a run in the area, lying in a mudflat covered in green algae.
“The victim's death, which occurred instantly… could only be explained by fatal poisoning due to inhalation of hydrogen sulfide at very high concentration levels, such as those found at the site of death during investigations carried out a few weeks later,” the court said.
The beach was also close to the location of two dogs and over 30 boar whose deaths were linked to wild algae between 2011 and 2016.
Other beaches across Brittany have faced issues over the presence of toxic algae, with a number of other deaths linked to the substance.
Green algae (algues vertes) is not always toxic, but several variants have been found to be harmful to human and animal health, either via inhalation, skin contact, or accidental ingestion.
The court said the presence of the algae was the responsibility of the state, therefore making it partially responsible for Mr Auffray’s death.
The presence of the algae was linked to “the state's failure to implement European and national regulations designed to protect waters from pollution of agricultural origin,” the court said in its ruling.
“Nitrate pollution from fertilisers and animal waste from livestock farming is the main cause of the proliferation of green algae in Brittany, since nitrates contain nutrients on which algae feed,” it added.
The Cour des Comptes released a report in 2021 stating that more than 90% of the algae on Breton beaches is caused by agricultural output.
As a result of the ruling by the Nantes court, the state must pay out €270,000 in compensation to Mr Auffray’s family.
