Mission

Eating is a social and political act. Through cuisine and encounters, Bouillabaisse Turfu defends local artisanal fishing in Marseille and along its coast, to promote the discovery, understanding and protection of the Mediterranean's biodiversity and beauty.

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Context: The decline of local artisanal fishing in Marseille occurs within an ancient Mediterranean organizational context, revolutionary but weakened today - the Prud'homie.

Since the 12th century for the oldest Prud'homies, fishing communities along the Mediterranean coast organized among themselves, regulating their equipment, deciding on their uses, managing and preserving fishing areas. The weakening of this governance system undermines small trades and the versatility of fishers. Strengthening it pushes back against policies that are harmful to these professions, to our territories, our collective wealth and our cultures.

The current local political context is a highly favorable one. After 25 years marked by growing inequalities in the city and the absence of an ecological vision, a new period is opening in Marseille. Michele Rubirola was elected mayor on July 4, 2020 at the head of the "Printemps Marseillais," a coalition representing progressive and environmental political parties, and a large group of associations and citizens of Marseilles.

This shows, according to her, that "Marseillaises and Marseillais ... are convinced of the necessity of exploring very local solutions, to make our city a pillar of the future, which mixes new green economy (the sustainable development economy) and solutions adapted to our local context... We wish to work with all the collective citizens of our city... to invent a shared future. "

Association Bouillabaisse Turfu is engaged in this common effort, which in the words of this governing coalition "will have social justice and ecological transformation as its fundamental principles."

What We Do

Centered around the incredible work of "slow fish" chef Christian Qui - who was recently honored as having the "best table" in France by a respected national food guide, BT works to protect the richness of the local maritime heritage through "engaged cuisine" with Marseille's communities.

Various activities focus on sharing knowledge around edible marine species, including through outings to the fish market in the Vieux-Port. Thematic workshops and cooking lessons help members and the wider public better understand the challenges of local fishing conditions, get to know fish species, buy well and cook better, so that individuals become self-sufficient as consumer-citizens. An underlying objective is to help anchor them within Marseille's shared values, and encourage the sense of community belonging.

BT's diverse activities and partnerships encourage Marseille's varied populations and communities to participate in the joyful humanity of the Vieux Port, and to access good, clean and fair local food for all.