Professional profiles have been designed to define what an Aquaculture Professional at EQF Level 4 and Aquaculture Manager/Entrepreneur EQF Level 5 can fulfil when employed in a role at these levels. The profiles give details on how a Aquaculture Professional at EQF Level 4 is able to work in land-based or sea-based aquaculture facilities. At a higher level, the Aquaculture Manager/Entrepreneur at EQF Level 5 is able to manage or own a land-based or sea-based aquaculture company. S/he is responsible for managing the production of aquatic organisms in aquaculture facilities, taking into consideration sustainability, welfare and production regulations. These professional profiles provide descriptors at EQF level 4 and 5, the characteristics of employees at this level, the qualification requirements and a profile of skills and competences expected of such a professional. The professional profiles may be downloaded by accessing this link.
Learning units have also been designed aimed at preparing students, professionals in training and adults, by offering them learning material that is built around new and common innovative subjects in aquaculture.
Amongst the designed units at EQF level 4, there are units on aquaculture farming systems, breeding, and processing and marketing of aquaculture biomass.
- Aquaculture farming systems increases knowledge on marine, brackish and freshwater aquaculture systems, that are involved in seafood production. The unit aims to promote awareness about the different systems and methods used in sustainable production of aquatic organisms. Furthermore, this international unit will provide the learner an opportunity to network.
- Breeding focuses on the propagation of aquaculture products such as fish, shellfish, seaweed, etc. is often the first step in the production process. Breeding activities are carried out in grow out farms as well as in specialized breeding companies. Breeding is in many cases a very specialized activity. A worker at EQF Level 4 must be able to work according to strict guidelines and procedures for propagation to be successful.
- Processing and marketing of aquaculture biomass focuses on processing and marketing of aquatic biomass products. She/he autonomously carries out a wide variety of works from the moment in which it is decided to prepare the product for commercialization, until it is delivered to the sales centers, which means the processing (regulations applied, equipment, HACCP, etc.) and the marketing of the product (the marketing plan).
You may request a copy of the learning units at EQF level 4 by sending an email to igallastegi@kardalalhii.net
Amongst the designed units at EQF level 5, there are units on European aquaculture, aquatic biology and ecology, aquatic production, system maintenance, aquaculture system design and engineering, aquaculture management and policy, international entrepreneurship and a project.
- Introduction to European Aquaculture provides a basic introduction on aquaculture species and systems to learners. It provides them with an understanding of aquaculture production in the European market, its current status and future challenges.
- Aquatic biology and ecology provides a basic introduction on aquatic biology and ecology to learners. It provides them with an understanding of organism biology, health and welfare in the context of aquaculture production in the European market, while highlighting the importance of biosecurity and sustainability
- Aquatic production provides competences and skills on aquatic production to be able to cope with the responsibilities required to an EQF5 level professional according to the European aquaculture sector.
- System maintenance provides competences on aquaculture system maintenance to be able to cope with the responsibilities required to an EQF5 level professional according to the European aquaculture sector.
- Aquaculture system design and engineering provides a rudimentary knowledge on aquaculture design and systems adaptations. It provides them with an understanding of technical information regarding the productive sites and structures and their design, in the framework of the appropriate national and international regulations.
- Aquaculture management and policy provides an in depth analysis of aquaculture management, including company structure and personnel while reviewing present policies, legislations and strategies and their effect on the aquaculture industry in the European market
- International entrepreneurship provides a basic introduction on aquatic biology and ecology to learners. It provides them with an understanding of organism biology, health and welfare in the context of aquaculture production in the European market, while highlighting the importance of biosecurity and sustainability
- A project prepares students for the industry context where all aspects of aquaculture production need to be considered simultaneously. Therefore, the unit forces the student to integrate different skills and knowledge, while providing ample opportunity to specialise
You may request a copy of the learning units at EQF level 5 by sending an email to igallastegi@kardalalhii.net
Life-long learning units were also designed aimed at professionals at EQF levels 4 and 5. These units focus on water quality in offshore aquaculture, basic management in recirculating aquaculture systems, problem-solving in recirculating aquaculture systems and sales and marketing of local aquatic products.
- Water quality in offshore aquaculture focuses on biology and the aquatic environment and provides competences on water quality and offshore aquaculture as part of continuous professional development and life-long learning in the European aquaculture sector.
- Basic management in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems focuses on feeding installations, technology and biology and provides competences on water quality and management of recirculating aquaculture systems as part of continuous professional development and life-long learning in the European aquaculture sector.
- Problem solving in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems focuses on technology and the aquatic environment, specifically, problem solving in recirculating aquaculture systems, including quick decision-making and possible mitigation measures. This unit is offered as part of continuous professional development and life-long learning in the European aquaculture sector
- Sales and marketing of local aquatic products focuses on selling and marketing of aquatic products. The profitability of marketing activities must be given special consideration. This unit is offered as part of continuous professional development and lifelong learning in the European aquaculture sector.
You may request a copy of the life-long learning units by sending an email to igallastegi@kardalalhii.net