Aquatic occupations
Based at the Marine Station in Sète (Hérault), the Continuing Education Department of the University of Montpellier (formerly CREUFOP) has over 40 years of experience in professional training in aquaculture, aquariology, and aquaponics.
Our training courses in aquaculture, aquariology, and aquaponics
We train you in aquaculture professions with a cross-disciplinary approach to learning that combines academic knowledge with daily practical experience and hands-on skills .
Our 500 m² hall houses a series of educational demonstrations dedicated to the breeding and cultivation of different aquatic species, based on the food chain model, from microalgae to adult fish weighing several kilograms.
It is complemented by an aquaponics system and an aquariology room, forming a coherent and comprehensive set of practical resources.
This facility is available to our students, whether they are enrolled in short or long courses.
Our instructors come from the professional world, ensuring that learning is focused on practical skills.
Our long-term training courses
University Diploma – Technician specializing in Aquaculture, Aquariology, Aquaponics
University degree equivalent to two years of higher education. This 700-hour course provides students with the knowledge of biology, animal husbandry, water physics and chemistry, and infrastructure necessary for managing aquaculture production.
Our short courses by topic
Micro-certifications are short, themed training modules that are accessible to all, designed to offer direct and practical access to our scientific and technical expertise. They combine immersive theoretical courses with our learners and individualized practical work carried out at our aquaculture facilities.
These micro-certifications enable key skills in a specific subject to be developed in just a few hours, allowing everyone to quickly gain autonomy in putting them into practice.
Aimed at professionals and the general public, our training offering is constantly evolving and can be adapted.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific requirements, questions, or would like further information.
| MICRO CERTIFICATION | DATES |
|---|---|
| Phytoplankton/Microalgae Culture | 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 |
| Professional Aquaponics Activity | February 3, 4, 5, and 6, 2026 |
| Tilapia farming and broodstock management | February 16, 17, 18, and 19, 2026 |
| Techniques for sowing and cultivating macroalgae* | March 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2026 |
| Starting an aquaculture business: keys to success* | March 6, 2026 |
*Subject to approval by the boards
| SHORT TRAINING COURSE | DATES |
|---|---|
| Animal experimentation | June 15 to 24, 2026 |
Production of macroalgae, microalgae, plankton, and larval farming
In marine hatcheries, plankton production provides food for fish and crustaceans during the early stages of their life cycles. This production requires specific methodologies and infrastructure, which we have in place at our facilities.
Micro certification – PHYTOPLANKTON/ MICROALGAE culture
Phytoplankton forms the basis of aquatic food chains. This three-day course teaches the fundamentals of microalgae production in a controlled environment, as well as techniques for identifying samples 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 food source, but also represents an essential enrichment for animal welfare, meeting 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, with practical work on brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis).
MICRO CERTIFICATION – Techniques for sowing and cultivating macroalgae
Macroalgae constitute a major marine biomass, central to the challenges facing the development of French aquaculture. This three-day training course combines theory and practice focusing on three species emblematic of our coasts—kelp (wakame), seaweed, and porphyra (nori) —and will teach the essential knowledge and techniques for cultivating them, both at sea and on land.
Fish farming, aquariology, aquaponics, and biofloc
Our aquaculture teaching focuses on a comprehensive, systemic, and environmental approach that considers the animal in relation to its farming environment. To this end, we teach different types of production: closed-loop farming, aquariology, biofloc production, and aquaponics, which combines fish farming and plant production.
MICRO CERTIFICATION – PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY IN AQUAPONICS
Aquaponics is a sustainable production system that harmoniously combines aquaculture and hydroponics. This four-day training course is designed for those who wish to discover the skills and techniques essential for the synergistic production of fish and plants. It provides the necessary foundations for launching an efficient and environmentally friendly aquaponics production system.
Micro Certification – Tilapia Farming and Breeding Stock Management
Tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish in the world. Its prolific nature, which contributes greatly to its success, also poses a challenge for preserving bloodlines. This four-day training course provides the essential knowledge needed to master tilapia farming and ensure rigorous genetic management of its population, thereby guaranteeing optimal farming conditions.
Cross-functional skills
To ensure its long-term viability, aquaculture requires additional skills. We are committed to supporting the development of respectful, sustainable, and prosperous aquaculture. To this end, we offer a series of short training courses covering cross-disciplinary knowledge related to the world of aquaculture.
MICRO CERTIFICATION – Design of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)
The recirculating aquaculture system (RAS ) is a set of water treatment components that enable water to be reused in aquaculture. This four-day training course provides knowledge of the components of a RAS and an introduction to its design.
MICRO CERTIFICATION – Setting up in aquaculture: keys to success
Starting a business in aquaculture means embracing two professions at once: that of aquaculturist and that of entrepreneur.
With the expertise of Paysan Marin, immerse yourself in the reality of a business leader for a day and explore all aspects of your future profession.
From the emergence of the idea to putting together the team and structuring the project, this training course gives you the keys to each stage as well as the essential resources you need to move forward.
Come with an idea, leave with a solid, structured deck.
Short Course – Animal Experimentation
Aquatic animals play an essential 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 must undergo specific training.
This training aims to convey best practices in animal ethics and welfare, while developing the skills necessary to intervene in a manner that respects animals and complies with current regulatory standards.
Training in preparing an application file for a "capacitaire" (license) for non-domestic animals
The Certificate of Competenceis a mandatory document for anyone responsible for an establishment that breeds, sells, or displays non-domestic animals to the public. This certificate ispersonaland can be obtained by submitting an application to theprefect of the departmentwhere the applicant resides.
Compiling the file requires aconsiderable amountof personal work,solid knowledge, andpractical experiencewith the animals concerned.
To support candidates in this process, theContinuing Education Departmentoffers acustomized program designed to facilitate the preparation of the application and its presentation to the jury. This program includes:
- Regulations
- Biology
- Rearing environment and animal welfare
- Practical workin our technical facilities
Important: This training course is designed to provide support and cannot under any circumstances replace the candidate's personal work or commitment to obtaining the certificate. The responsibility for success lies entirely with the candidate.
* Applies to a total public display volume not exceeding 10 m³.
Each situation is unique: contact us to design content and organization 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
Are you interested in our training courses?
To enroll in one of our training courses or to find out more about personalized support options, contact our team of aquaculture experts: sfc-aqua@umontpellier.fr