Aquatic professions

Based at the Station Marine in Sète (Hérault), the University of Montpellier's Continuing Education Department (formerly CREUFOP) has over 40 years' experience in professional training in aquaculture, aquariology, aquaponics, fisheries, environmental enhancement and freediving.

Our training courses in aquaculture, aquariology and aquaponics

We train you in the aquaculture professions with a cross-disciplinary approach to learning that combines academic knowledge with daily practice of skills and know-how "hands in the water".

In our 500m2 aquaculture hall, a series of cultures and rearing systems enable us to create a marine trophic chain.
Combined with our aquaponics system and aquariology room, this combination provides a wide range of skills.

Our lecturers are drawn from the professional world, so that learning is based on operational experience. 


Our long courses

University Diploma - Technician specialized in Aquaculture, Aquariology, Aquaponics

University diploma equivalent to BAC +2. This 700-hour training course provides the knowledge of biology, zootechnics, water physics and chemistry, and infrastructure needed to manage aquaculture production.

Master 2 - QSE Project Manager in Aquaculture (BAC+5 level)

This 750-hour Master's degree trains managers to master QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment) tools and methods, project development and management, and the development, operation and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems.


Our short courses by theme

Aimed at professionals and the general public alike, our training offer is constantly evolving and can be adapted.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific needs, questions or require further information.

Microalgae, plankton and larvae production

In marine hatcheries, plankton production is used to feed fish and crustaceans during the early stages of their life cycles. This type of production requires a specific methodology and infrastructure, which we have at our facilities.

Short course - Introduction to microalgae and zooplankton cultures

This 3-day course covers the fundamentals of microalgae and zooplankton production.


Fish farming, aquariology, aquaponics and biofloc

Our teaching of aquaculture is based on a global, systemic and environmental vision that associates the animal with its rearing environment. To achieve this, we teach different types of production: closed-circuit farming, aquariology, biofloc production and aquaponics, which combines fish farming and plant production.

Short course - Introduction to marine ornamental fish breeding

This 3-day training course is designed to reinforce your skills in aquariology by learning how to reproduce marine ornamental fish.

Short course - Introduction to aquaponics

This 3-day training course is designed for people wishing to discover the skills and techniques involved in aquaponics. It provides an opportunity to acquire the basic knowledge required for aquaponic production.


Cross-disciplinary skills

Aquaculture requires additional skills to ensure its long-term survival. We are committed to supporting the development of respectful, sustainable and prosperous aquaculture. That's why we offer a series of short training courses covering all aspects of aquaculture.

University Diploma - Professional Apneist

This 260-hour training course is designed to develop the skills needed for freediving in the underwater zone between 0 and 12 meters depth, in order to carry out operational activities safely.

University Diploma - Creation of an aquaculture and aquaponics project

This 56-hour training course is designed for entrepreneurs wishing to set up an aquaculture business. It provides the methodology and technical and financial knowledge needed to set up an aquaculture project.

Short course - Design of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)

The recirculating aquaculture system(RAS ) is a set of water treatment components enabling water to be reused on the farm. This 3-day training course provides an understanding of the components of a RAS and an introduction to its sizing.


Interested in our training courses?

To join one of our training courses, please contact our training manager 🙂

To find out more about customized support options, contact our team of aquaculture experts.