Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules
Master's in Sustainable Aquaculture and Biotechnology
This master's prepares you to lead the future of aquaculture production, combining environmentally responsible practice with innovative biotechnological solutions. You will learn to optimize production, reduce environmental impact and develop new products and processes in a growing sector, building a solid scientific base together with management and entrepreneurial skills.
Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program
What is the Master's in Sustainable Aquaculture and Biotechnology?
This master's prepares you to lead the future of aquaculture production, combining environmentally responsible practice with innovative biotechnological solutions. You will study the foundations of sustainable aquaculture and the blue economy, the engineering of RAS, biofloc, IMTA and offshore systems, water quality, reproductive biotechnology and genetics, advanced nutrition and alternative feeds, microalgae and live feed, pathology and diagnostics, biosecurity and animal welfare, and the digital tools of Aquaculture 4.0.
What sets this master's apart: an integrated approach, from the biology and physiology of farmed species to resource management and regulation; applied biotechnology, with genomic, microbiological and diagnostic tools to improve health, nutrition and growth; a strong sustainability focus, with circular systems, reduced antibiotic use and a lower carbon footprint; digital innovation with AI, sensors, digital twins and blockchain traceability; and a capstone feasibility project followed by a Final Project.
Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December
Program highlights
- Integrated approach: from the biology and physiology of aquatic species to resource management and regulation.
- Culture system engineering: RAS, biofloc, IMTA, offshore farming, ponds and raceways.
- Applied biotechnology: genomic, microbiological and diagnostic tools for health, nutrition and growth.
- Sustainability: circular aquaculture, alternative feeds, reduced antibiotic use and a lower carbon footprint.
- Aquaculture 4.0: computer vision, precision feeding, sensor networks and digital twins.
- Capstone and Final Project: a feasibility study for a sustainable aquaculture venture and an applied research project.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Master's in Sustainable Aquaculture and Biotechnology
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Sustainable Aquaculture Foundations, Marine Ecology and Blue Economy Principles
- 1.1. Development of global aquaculture: current status, consumption trends and SDG 14 targets
- 1.2. Biology and ecophysiology of the main farmed species: teleost fish, bivalve molluscs, crustaceans and algae
- 1.3. Carrying capacity of aquatic ecosystems and nutrient dynamics in coastal and inland areas
- 1.4. Blue economy principles applied to regenerative aquaculture
- 1.5. International legal and institutional framework for licensing and regulating marine farms
- 1.6. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and benthic monitoring under floating cages and effluents
- 1.7. Environmental management systems (EMS) and integrating aquaculture into marine spatial planning (MSP)
- 1.8. International sustainability certification: ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), GlobalGAP and BAP
- 1.9. Interaction between farmed and wild populations: managing escapes, genetic biosecurity and non-native species
- 1.10. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon and water footprints of different culture systems
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Culture System Engineering: RAS, Biofloc, IMTA and Offshore
- 2.1. Design and engineering of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS): mass balance, flow rates and sizing
- 2.2. Mechanical filtration in RAS: settling tanks, drum filters and protein skimmers
- 2.3. Nitrifying biofiltration: fixed and moving bed (MBBR) biofilters and calculation of protected surface area
- 2.4. Disinfection and water quality in RAS: ozonation, UV radiation and carbon dioxide (CO2) degassing
- 2.5. Biofloc technology (BFT): microbial dominance, carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio and in situ protein production
- 2.6. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA): combining fish with organic and inorganic extractive species
- 2.7. Offshore aquaculture: submersible structures, moorings and resistance to extreme hydrodynamic conditions
- 2.8. Earthen ponds and raceways: hydraulic optimization and sludge management
- 2.9. Energy efficiency in aquaculture plants: renewable energy integration and heat recovery
- 2.10. Automation, remote IoT monitoring and preventive maintenance of critical infrastructure
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
Water Quality, Physicochemistry and Aquatic Thermodynamics
- 3.1. Critical physicochemical parameters in fresh and salt water: temperature, salinity, pH and redox potential (ORP)
- 3.2. Dissolved oxygen dynamics: saturation, mechanical aeration and pure oxygen injection
- 3.3. The nitrogen cycle in aquaculture systems: un-ionized ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-)
- 3.4. The carbonate buffer system: alkalinity, total hardness and pH control in intensive systems
- 3.5. Build-up of undesirable volatile compounds: geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) in fish flesh and purging methods
- 3.6. Management and treatment of total suspended solids (TSS) and dissolved solids
- 3.7. Toxicity of heavy metals, sulphides and organic waste depending on water properties
- 3.8. Sensors, multiparameter probes and calibration for real-time monitoring
- 3.9. Aquaculture effluent treatment: biological denitrification, constructed wetlands and zero liquid discharge (ZLD)
- 3.10. Artificial seawater chemistry and preparation of culture media for hatcheries
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
Reproductive Biotechnology, Physiology and Applied Genetics
- 4.1. Endocrine physiology of reproduction in fish and crustaceans: the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
- 4.2. Hormonal spawning induction: GnRH analogues, implants and controlled photoperiod and thermoperiod
- 4.3. Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos: cryoprotectants, freezing protocols and germplasm banks
- 4.4. Chromosome manipulation: producing sterile triploid and single-sex (all-male or all-female) populations
- 4.5. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection with SNP chips in aquaculture species
- 4.6. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for disease resistance and growth rate
- 4.7. Inbreeding management and selective breeding programs in broodstock facilities
- 4.8. Sexing biotechnology and control of gonadal development in commercial crustaceans
- 4.9. Individual and family selection models to improve feed conversion
- 4.10. Bioethics and international regulation of genetically modified organisms in aquaculture
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Advanced Nutrition, Feed Biotechnology and Digestive Physiology
- 5.1. Digestive physiology and macronutrient requirements (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) in fish and crustaceans
- 5.2. Essential micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and synthetic amino acids
- 5.3. Sustainable substitution of fishmeal and fish oil: plant meals and their anti-nutritional factors
- 5.4. Insect meal biotechnology (Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens) as a high-quality protein ingredient
- 5.5. Single-cell proteins (SCP): production by bacterial and yeast fermentation
- 5.6. Microalgae and Schizochytrium oils to enrich feeds with omega-3 fatty acids
- 5.7. Feed manufacturing: extrusion, cooking, pelleting and vacuum coating
- 5.8. Functional feed additives: digestive enzymes, acidifiers, natural pigments and toxin binders
- 5.9. Feeding strategies and tables: feeding behavior, uneaten feed collectors and FCR calculation
- 5.10. In vivo and in vitro digestibility: methods to determine the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC)
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Microalgae, Algal Biotechnology and Live Feed Culture
- 6.1. Biology and taxonomy of microalgae used in aquaculture (Isochrysis, Tetraselmis, Nannochloropsis, Chaetoceros)
- 6.2. Design and operation of photobioreactors (tubular and flat-panel) and open raceway ponds for microalgae
- 6.3. Biotechnology for extracting high-value compounds: phycobiliproteins, astaxanthin and biofuels
- 6.4. Mass production and strain collections of rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis): continuous culture and nutritional enrichment
- 6.5. Biology and hatching of Artemia cysts: decapsulation protocols and fatty acid enrichment
- 6.6. Culture of copepods and other zooplankton to feed demanding fish larvae
- 6.7. Macroalgae production and culture technology (Ulva, Saccharina, Gracilaria): rope and tank systems
- 6.8. Bioremediation with algae to remove nitrates and phosphates from industrial effluents
- 6.9. Freeze-drying, preservation and marketing of concentrated microalgae pastes
- 6.10. Automation of live feed rooms in industrial hatcheries
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Pathology, Aquatic Immunology and Biotechnological Diagnostics
- 7.1. The immune system of fish and crustaceans: innate and adaptive immunity and response mechanisms against pathogens
- 7.2. Main bacterial diseases in aquaculture (vibriosis, aeromoniasis, photobacteriosis, flavobacteriosis)
- 7.3. Viral diseases of high economic impact: VHS, IHN, IPN and ISA in salmonids and WSSV and AHPND in shrimp
- 7.4. Common parasitic diseases: protozoa (Ichthyophthirius), monogeneans and sea lice (Caligus, Lepeophtheirus) and their control
- 7.5. Fungal infections and nutritional or environmental disorders in intensive farming
- 7.6. Rapid biotechnological diagnostics: real-time PCR, RT-PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and ELISA kits
- 7.7. Immunomodulators, beta-glucans and nucleotides: strengthening the mucosal barrier and non-specific immunity
- 7.8. Development and use of autogenous and commercial vaccines: immersion, oral and automated intraperitoneal injection
- 7.9. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics: modulating the gut microbiota and competitive exclusion of pathogens
- 7.10. Bacteriophage therapy as a biotechnological alternative to antibiotics
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Biosecurity, Animal Welfare and Sustainable Drug Therapy
- 8.1. Designing and implementing master biosecurity plans in aquaculture facilities
- 8.2. Health risk mapping: physical barriers, zoning, access control and disinfection of vehicles and materials
- 8.3. Handling of mortalities and biosecure disposal: fish silage and anaerobic digestion
- 8.4. Operational welfare indicators (OWIs): behavior, swimming, body condition and skin lesions
- 8.5. Stress in aquaculture: physiology of the stress response, plasma cortisol and blood glucose measurement
- 8.6. Anesthesia, sedation and humane euthanasia protocols for handling, sampling and transporting broodstock and fry
- 8.7. Responsible use of veterinary medicines: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and withdrawal periods (MRLs)
- 8.8. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR): risk management and strategies to phase out antibiotics
- 8.9. Non-chemical delousing: cleaner fish (wrasse, lumpfish) and thermal and mechanical treatments
- 8.10. International animal welfare rules for slaughter and primary processing of aquaculture products
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 9
Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, Sensors and Technological Innovation
- 9.1. Aquaculture 4.0: cyberinfrastructure, networked sensors and digital twins
- 9.2. Computer vision and artificial intelligence to estimate biomass, count fish and calculate average weight
- 9.3. Precision feeding driven by machine learning algorithms and acoustic and optical appetite detectors
- 9.4. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and underwater drones to inspect nets, moorings and the seabed
- 9.5. Wireless underwater sensor networks (WUSN) for continuous measurement of environmental parameters
- 9.6. Cloud computing and big data platforms for predictive analysis of disease outbreaks and water quality
- 9.7. Robotics for automated net cleaning and maintenance of marine facilities
- 9.8. Blockchain-based traceability from egg and fry to the consumer's table
- 9.9. Mathematical modeling of growth (Dynamic Energy Budget models)
- 9.10. Cybersecurity to protect industrial control systems (SCADA) in highly automated aquaculture plants
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 10
Capstone Project: Design and Feasibility of a Sustainable Aquaculture and Biotechnology Venture
- 10.1. Choice and technical justification of the target species, production model and location
- 10.2. Review of the legal context, operating licenses, public domain concessions and environmental permits
- 10.3. Process engineering: layout drawings, equipment selection and water balance
- 10.4. Biosecurity program, prophylactic profile and health management strategy for the facility
- 10.5. Nutrition plan, selection of sustainable feeds and input supply logistics
- 10.6. Integrating biotechnological components (genetic improvement, autogenous vaccines, live feed culture or AI sensors)
- 10.7. Environmental impact assessment, waste management plan and associated circular economy strategy
- 10.8. Full financial analysis: capital budget (CAPEX), operating costs (OPEX), cash flow projection, IRR and NPV
- 10.9. Marketing plan, sustainable brand strategy, quality certification and distribution channels
- 10.10. Writing the investment dossier (business plan) and defending the project before an academic and professional panel
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 11
Final Project
- 11.1. Choosing the topic and defining the research problem
- 11.2. Setting objectives, hypotheses and scope
- 11.3. Review of the state of the art and specialized literature
- 11.4. Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
- 11.5. Designing the methodology and work plan
- 11.6. Collecting, processing and validating data
- 11.7. Technical development and analysis of results
- 11.8. Discussion, conclusions and future lines of work
- 11.9. Writing the report to academic standards
- 11.10. Presentation and defense before a panel
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Master's in Sustainable Aquaculture and Biotechnology
It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Faculty
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives
Objectives of the Master's in Sustainable Aquaculture and Biotechnology
01Develop innovative biotechnological strategies: design optimized diets with alternative ingredients, probiotics and prebiotics, monitoring growth and health to reduce environmental impact and raise efficiency.
02Optimize production through sustainable practice: run RAS and biofloc systems that cut water use and waste, monitoring dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature and adjusting feeding and stocking density.
03Design low-impact aquaculture systems: apply waste and effluent management protocols, optimize the use of water, feed and energy and monitor water quality to prevent pollution.
04Lead aquaculture R&D projects: define technology roadmaps, coordinate multidisciplinary teams and seek funding for research, development and innovation.
05Assess and mitigate health risks: implement epidemiological surveillance, biosecurity, integrated disease management and rapid diagnostics to limit outbreaks and ensure food safety.
06Market high-value aquaculture products: apply certification schemes (ASC, BAP) and differentiated marketing strategies to position premium products.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Master's in Sustainable Aquaculture and Biotechnology
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Master's in Sustainable Aquaculture and Biotechnology
The aquaculture sector, from fish, shellfish and crustacean farming to microalgae and macroalgae production.
Yes. Sustainability and applied biotechnology run through the whole program, from system design and feeds to health management and genetics.
Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), biofloc, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), offshore farming, earthen ponds and raceways.
Yes. It covers vaccines, immunomodulators, probiotics, phage therapy, non-chemical delousing and strategies to manage antimicrobial resistance.
Yes. A full module covers computer vision, precision feeding, sensor networks, ROVs, big data, digital twins and blockchain traceability.
The capstone is a technical and financial feasibility study for a sustainable aquaculture venture; the Final Project is an applied research project on a topic you choose.
The master's is taught entirely online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each, and you progress at your own pace within the schedule you are given on enrollment.
Related programs
More programs in Biology and conservation
Online admission
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
Entry requirements
- Profile: aimed at marine and environmental biologists, agricultural and fisheries engineers, aquaculture professionals who want to lead innovation projects in applied biotechnology, entrepreneurs and investors interested in the blue economy, and graduates in related sciences. A degree in biology, marine sciences, veterinary science, agricultural or environmental engineering or a related field, or proven professional experience in aquaculture or biotechnology, is recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and software to view documents and take part in video conferences.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
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