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CERC ACADEMY

CERC ACADEMY is an investment in the future of RAS aquaculture in Central Europe. By providing top-notch education and continuously improving the qualifications of its staff, it will ensure that the region has sufficient human capital to effectively operate modern RAS farms and to remain competitive in the European and global markets.

CERC ACADEMY has the ambition to be the leading educational and training platform in Central Europe for RAS aquaculture, educating highly qualified professionals, disseminating the latest scientific knowledge and best practices and constantly raising the professional level of the entire industry.

Mission - to provide comprehensive, practically oriented and up-to-date educational programs and training courses for all levels of RAS farm personnel and management. CERC ACADEMY aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective, sustainable and innovative operation of RAS systems.

Complexity and technological complexity of RAS - recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are highly complex and technologically demanding. Their effective operation requires in-depth knowledge of many disciplines:

  • Fish biology: Understanding the needs of the species being farmed.

  • Water chemistry: Maintaining optimal water parameters.

  • Microbiology: Managing biofiltration and microbial populations.

  • Engineering: Understanding and maintaining technical systems.

  • Energy: Optimizing energy consumption.

  • Veterinary medicine: Preventing and treating diseases.

  • Management: Economic management, planning.

Rapid development of the field and lack of qualified personnel - RAS technology is constantly evolving. New systems, feeds, procedures and methods are emerging. Without continuous education and professional development, operations risk becoming obsolete and losing competitiveness. At the same time, the region faces a shortage of qualified and experienced professionals, which prevents the full development of the sector.

The importance of continuous education and professional development

  • Ensuring operational efficiency: Qualified personnel minimize errors, optimize processes and reduce operating costs (feed, energy, water).

  • Maximizing fish welfare and health: Knowledge in disease prevention and proper environmental management leads to healthier fish and higher yields.

  • Implementing innovation: An educated team is able to adapt and integrate new technologies and practices more quickly, leading to technological advancements in the farm.

  • Problem solving: Qualified personnel can more effectively identify and resolve operational issues, minimize losses, and maintain production continuity.

  • Staff motivation and retention: Investing in training increases employee satisfaction, loyalty, and motivation, which reduces turnover.

  • Meeting quality standards (CERC Quality): An appropriate level of knowledge and qualifications of staff is essential to achieving higher levels of CERC Quality certification.

CERC ACADEMY Objectives

  • Standardized training programs: To develop and offer comprehensive, standardized, and practice-oriented training programs for different levels of expertise in RAS.

  • Dissemination of best practices: To actively disseminate the latest scientific knowledge, technological innovations, and best practices in RAS from the region and around the world.

  • Certification of experts: Establish a system of certification of graduates that will confirm their qualifications and increase their employability in the labor market.

  • Support for lifelong learning: Create a system of lifelong education and professional development for experts in RAS.

  • Bridge between science and practice: Link academic research with practical needs of farms and ensure that new knowledge is quickly applied in practice.

Key activities

Curriculum development:

  • CERC Foundation RAS courses: For novices and beginners.

  • CERC Advanced RAS courses: For experienced technicians and managers (e.g. biofiltration, water management, RAS energy).

  • Specialized workshops: On current topics (e.g. fish health in RAS, digital monitoring, sustainability in RAS).

Teaching methods:

  • Blended learning: Online modules with practical exercises and simulations.

  • Hands-on training: Directly at partner RAS farms (in cooperation with the RAS Expert Exchange Program).

  • Webinars and seminars: Regular online lectures with Q&A sections.

Educational materials: Creation of e-learning modules, manuals, videos and interactive tools.

Lecturers and mentors: Involvement of top practitioners (RAS Expert Exchange Program), academics and certified consultants.

Certification: Creation of a system of exams and certificates for program graduates.

International cooperation: Exchange of experience with similar academic and educational institutions in the EU.

Target group

  • Owners and managers of RAS farms

  • Technical workers, RAS operators and water quality specialists

  • Fish nutrition and health specialists

  • High school and university graduates seeking specialization

  • Researchers and academics

  • Technology and feed suppliers

Organizational structure and management

CERC ACADEMY functions as the educational arm of CERC – Central European RAS Chamber.

  • Academic Council: Composed of leading academics and industry representatives, responsible for curricula and quality of teaching.

  • CERC ACADEMY Director: Responsible for strategic direction and operational management.

  • Team of lecturers and mentors: Composed of internal experts and external specialists.

Budget and funding

  • Income from course fees: Fees for participation in courses and workshops.
  • EU grants: Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, EMFAF – support for education and skills development.
  • National subsidy programs: For education and skills development.
  • Partnerships and sponsorships: From companies in the aquaculture sector.
  • CERC membership fees: Part may be allocated to the development of the academy.

Success indicators (KPIs)

  • Number of graduates and certified professionals: Total number and distribution across programs/countries.
  • Participant satisfaction rate: Course and instructor ratings.
  • Graduate employability: Employment or promotion rate after completing the course.
  • Accreditations obtained: Number of accredited programs at national/EU level.
  • Number of partnerships: With universities, research institutes and industry partners.
  • Development of training materials: Number of modules created and updated.
  • Demonstrable improvement in operational indicators on farms with a higher number of educated personnel.