Water-based professions
Based at the Sète Marine Station (Hérault), the Continuing Education Department of the University of Montpellier (formerly CREUFOP) has over 40 years of experience in professional training in aquaculture, aquarium science, and aquaponics.
Our training programs in aquaculture, aquarium science, and aquaponics
We train you in aquaculture professions using a cross-disciplinary approach to learning that combines academic knowledge with hands-on, practical experience .
Our 500 m² hall houses a series of educational displays dedicated to the rearing and cultivation of various aquatic species, following the food chain model, from microalgae to adult fish weighing several kilograms.
It is complemented by an aquaponics system and an aquarium room, thus forming a coherent and comprehensive set of practical resources.
This facility is available to our students, whether they are enrolled in short-term or long-term training programs.
Our instructors come from the professional world to ensure learning focused on practical application.
Our long-term training programs
University Diploma – Specialist Technician in Aquaculture, Aquariology, and Aquaponics
A two-year college degree. This 700-hour program provides students with the knowledge in biology, animal husbandry, water chemistry, and infrastructure necessary for managing an aquaculture operation.
Bachelor's Degree in Professional Studies – Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSSE), with a specialization in Resource Management, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (ValPêA)
The ValPêA training program—Fisheries and Aquaculture Value Creation (450 hours)—is designed for professionals in the fisheries, aquaculture, and processing sectors who wish to transition into QHSSE roles.
Its goal is to enable them to master the fundamentals of quality, hygiene, safety, health, and the environment; to understand the specific challenges facing the aquatic products sector; and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry in order to implement quality, labeling, and certification initiatives.
Designed for students with two years of post-secondary education and professionals already familiar with these fields, this program aims to strengthen QHSSE skills and contribute to the development of France’s fishing and aquaculture sectors.
Our short courses by topic
Micro-certifications are short, topic-specific training modules open to everyone, designed to provide direct and practical access to our scientific and technical expertise. They combine immersive theoretical courses with our learners and individualized hands-on projects carried out at our aquaculture facilities.
These micro-certifications help learners develop key skills in a specific subject area in just a few hours, enabling everyone to quickly become more independent in applying what they’ve learned.
Designed for both professionals and the general public, our training programs are constantly evolving and can be tailored to meet specific needs.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any specific needs, questions, or would like more information.
| MICRO CERTIFICATION | DATES |
|---|---|
| Phytoplankton / Microalgae Cultivation | October 29, 30, and 31, 2025 |
| Zooplankton Culture / Live Prey | November 25 and 26, 2025 |
| Design of a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) | January 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2026 |
| Aquaponics as a Business | February 3, 4, 5, and 6, 2026 |
| Tilapia Farming and Broodstock Management | February 16, 17, 18, and 19, 2026 |
| Techniques for Seeding and Cultivating Macroalgae | March 3, 4, and 5, 2026 |
| Getting Started in Aquaculture: The Keys to Success* | March 6, 2026 |
*Subject to approval by the boards
| SHORT COURSE | DATES |
|---|---|
| Use of Aquatic Animals for Scientific Purposes – Applicant | June 17–25, 2026 (in-person) (+ 5 hours of online learning) |
| Use of Aquatic Animals for Scientific Purposes – Designer | June 17–26, 2026 (in-person) (+ 11 hours online) |
Production of macroalgae, microalgae, and plankton; and larval rearing
In marine hatcheries, plankton production is used to feed fish and crustaceans during the early stages of their life cycles. This process requires specific methodologies and infrastructure, which we have in place at our facilities.
Micro-certification – Cultivation of Phytoplankton / Microalgae
Phytoplankton forms the basis of aquatic food chains. This three-day course provides participants with the fundamentals of microalgae production in a controlled environment, as well as techniques for identifying samples collected from the natural environment.
Micro-certification – ZOOPLANKTON CULTURE / LIVE PREY
Zooplankton production is a key step in the larval rearing of many aquatic species. Live prey not only provides a complementary and balanced dietary supplement, but also serves as an essential enrichment for animal welfare, aligning with several principles of the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.
This two-day training course will provide you with the essential basics for producing live prey used in hatcheries, including hands-on exercises with Artemia (Artemia salina) and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis).
MICRO CERTIFICATION – Techniques for Seeding and Cultivating Macroalgae
Macroalgae constitute a major source of marine biomass and are central to the challenges facing the development of French aquaculture. This three-day training course, combining theory and practice focused on three iconic species found along our coasts—kelp (Wakame), Ulva, and Porphyra (Nori) —will provide the essential knowledge and skills needed for their cultivation, both at sea and on land.
Fish farming, aquarium science, aquaponics, and biofloc
Our aquaculture program is based on a comprehensive, systemic, and environmental approach that considers the animal in the context of its rearing environment. To this end, we teach various production methods: closed-loop systems, aquarium science, biofloc production, and aquaponics, which combines fish farming with plant cultivation.
MICRO CERTIFICATION – PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES IN AQUAPONICS
Aquaponics is a sustainable production system that seamlessly combines aquaculture and hydroponics. This four-day training course is designed for those who wish to learn the skills and techniques essential to the synergistic production of fish and plants. It provides the foundational knowledge needed to launch an efficient and environmentally friendly aquaponics operation.
Micro Certification – Tilapia Farming and Broodstock Management
Tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish in the world. Its high reproductive rate, which is a major factor in its success, also poses a challenge for maintaining genetic diversity. This four-day training course provides the essential knowledge needed to master tilapia farming and ensure rigorous genetic management of the population, thereby guaranteeing optimal farming conditions.
Regulations
To help professionals navigate the regulatory requirements associated with their activities, we offer a range of mandatory training courses closely aligned with our areas of expertise in aquaculture. These courses address animal welfare requirements, helping industry stakeholders implement practices that are compliant, responsible, and in line with current standards.
Training on how to prepare an application for a “capacitaire” license for non-domestic animals
The Certificate of Competenceis a mandatory document for anyone responsible for a facility that breeds, sells, or displays to the public* non-domestic animals. This certificate ispersonaland is obtained by submitting an application to theprefect of the departmentwhere the applicant resides.
Compiling the file requires asignificant amountof individual effort and demandssolid knowledgeandpractical experiencewith the animals in question.
To assist applicants with this process, theContinuing Education Departmentoffers acustomized program designed to help them prepare their application and present it to the review committee. This program includes:
- Regulations
- Biology
- Livestock Housing and Animal Welfare
- Hands-on trainingin our technical facilities
Important: This training program is designed to provide support and cannot, under any circumstances, replace the candidate’s own work or commitment to the process of obtaining the certificate. The responsibility for success rests entirely with the candidate.
* Applies to a total presentation volume not exceeding 10 m³.
Every situation is unique: contact us to design content and a structure tailored to the needs and constraints of the candidate for the certificate of competence.
Contact:
Gérard SPOSITO
gerard.sposito@umontpellier.fr
04 67 74 45 03 | 06 87 91 47 15
Short Course – Use of Aquatic Animals for Scientific Purposes – Practitioner
Aquatic animals play a vital role in a wide range of scientific research. Their use contributes to major advances in various fields, such as biomedical research, environmental studies, ecotoxicology, wildlife monitoring, and conservation biology.
In accordance with Decree No. 2013-118 of February 1, 2013, which transposes European Directive TU into French law, anyone involved in experimental procedures on these animals is required to complete specific training.
This training program aims to share best practices in animal ethics and welfare, while developing the skills needed to work in a manner that respects animals and complies with current regulatory standards.
Short Course – Use of Aquatic Animals for Scientific Purposes – Course Designer
Aquatic animals play a vital role in a wide range of scientific research. Their use contributes to major advances in various fields, such as biomedical research, environmental studies, ecotoxicology, wildlife monitoring, and conservation biology.
In accordance with Decree No. 2013-118 of February 1, 2013, which transposes European Directive TU into French law, anyone involved in experimental procedures on these animals is required to complete specific training.
This training program aims to share best practices in animal ethics and welfare, while developing the skills needed to work in a manner that respects animals and complies with current regulatory standards.
Transferable skills
To ensure its long-term viability, aquaculture requires a range of complementary skills. We are committed to supporting the development of an environmentally responsible, sustainable, and prosperous aquaculture industry. To that end, we offer a series of short training courses covering the cross-disciplinary knowledge relevant to the aquaculture sector.
MICRO CERTIFICATION – Design of a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)
A recirculating aquaculture system (RAS ) is a set of water treatment components that enable the reuse of water in fish farming. This 4-day training course provides an understanding of the components of an RAS and an introduction to its design.
MICRO CERTIFICATION – Starting an Aquaculture Business: The Keys to Success
Starting a career in aquaculture means taking on two roles at once: that of an aquaculturist and that of an entrepreneur.
With the expertise of Le Paysan Marin, spend a day stepping into the shoes of a business owner and explore every aspect of your future career.
From the initial concept to building the team and structuring the project, this training course provides you with the tools you need for each step, as well as the essential resources to move forward.
Come with an idea, leave with a solid, well-structured presentation.
Are you interested in our training courses?
To enroll in one of our training programs or to learn more about our personalized support options, please contact our team of aquaculture experts: sfc-aqua@umontpellier.fr