Save Orient & email your concerns massively to the local AAPPMA now! #jesuisorient

For all the foreign carp anglers who have, for many years, come in great numbers to enjoy the French public waters and fish freely with a simple licence, we would be truly grateful for your help in sharing this message—and our concern about the Lac de la Forêt d’Orient.

As many of you already know, this year the Forêt d’Orient Lake requires major repairs to its dam. To carry out this work, the authorities have had to lower the water level drastically, leaving only a few small areas of remaining water with very limited space for the entire fish population of this vast lake. The stock of fish—of all species—is priceless and impossible to measure. And we’re not only talking about carp, but also white fish, predators, and of course the legendary big carp that have lived there for decades.

The problem is not the repairs themselves, which are necessary to ensure the safety of the dam and the lake. The real issue lies in the measures taken to protect and preserve the fish during this period. The resources allocated by the local authorities are extremely limited given the ecological, economic, and historical importance of this fish population. Thank you for taking the time to read more about the situation and to watch Soël Briche’s video—even if it’s in French—to understand what is happening.

To be completely honest, people have been trying for quite some time to alert the fishing federation, local associations, and the other authorities responsible for managing the lake. However, the measures put in place to protect the fish stock are far from sufficient, and a disaster could occur at any moment. I’ve been in contact with Patrick Zambeau and Jean-Pierre Becker, who were for many years on the board of the association for the Lac de la Forêt d’Orient and know the lake extremely well. We were also warned more urgently by Soël Briche, who went even further by directly contacting those in charge of the lake and fishing management—proposing solutions, asking questions, and seeking clear answers. But, as you can imagine, all of this was brushed aside by the authorities. To be precise, one person responsible for the site replied rather aggressively in an email, saying (and I quote): “you’d better leave us alone.” After reading the full exchange that Soël forwarded to me, I must say it was quite shameful.

There have been several discussions between Patrick and Jean-Pierre, who are considering getting involved again in the local fishing associations. At the moment, they are extremely worried and fear that a disaster is imminent.

So, what can we do?

I don’t pretend to be an example of perfect involvement in this kind of cause, but I always try to do my best and contribute however I can, because this isn’t the first time I’ve taken part in a situation like this in France. If I can help—even on a small scale—I will, and I encourage everyone to do the same, because every bit of support matters.

The Lac de la Forêt d’Orient is more than just a lake; it is a symbolic, historic, and iconic place for modern carp fishing. It would be a genuine tragedy to see its fish stocks drastically reduced or even wiped out. Even for me—someone who has never yet had the chance to fish there—it would be heartbreaking.

I truly believe that if we join forces—French and foreign anglers alike—showing unity, intelligence, and commitment, we may be able to make a difference. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but it is always better to try than to do nothing. At the moment, the only meaningful way to act is to put pressure on the authorities. The more of us who speak up, the greater the pressure—and the better the chances of success.

So please, talk about it. Share what is happening at the Lac de la Forêt d’Orient with your friends and across your social media. That alone would be a significant step forward, and a powerful act of solidarity to help protect this exceptional natural heritage.