Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue, on the east coast of the Cotentin peninsula, is renowned for its 16th-century oyster pond. Surrounding the town, the Cul de Loup and La Coulège bays are protected by the small island of Tatihou that directs the currents at high tide. Rich in phytoplankton and minerals, they favor oyster farming. The breeding of cupped oysters (Crassostrea gigas) is carried out on tables, which allows them to benefit from natural nutrition. Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy) has become the leading shellfish production basin, with 21% of national oyster production.