Use of public coastal areas for oyster culture and tarification topics This article is an attempt to assess the profitability of public coastal areas for oyster producers by means of linear programtning models. The shadow price is higher than the fees which are due to the state. This explains why some sales of public grounds take place among oyster growers. It also contributes to the underexploitation of the regions along the coast available for oyster culture. The competition between oyster producers and between the oyster culturing industry and other activities involve external effects. They require that a distinction be made between social and private profitability. The allocation of coastal areas implies social transfers between vario...