Public aquariums bring together a wide range of professions. Behind the tanks and visitor areas, they draw on expertise in aquarium science, aquaculture, aquatic biology, conservation, science communication, and the technical management of facilities.

For those who want to move into this professional field, several training pathways exist in France, from baccalaureate level to master’s degrees, with specializations more or less directly linked to the realities of public aquariums.

Some tracks are highly career-oriented and allow quick entry into the sector, notably BTSA programs focused on aquaculture. Other courses, from the professional bachelor’s degree onward, lead more directly to specializations in aquarium science, aquatic environments, sustainable aquaculture, or marine biology. Master’s degrees, meanwhile, make it possible to go further in scientific expertise, project management, applied research, or aquatic biodiversity conservation.

Depending on qualification level and experience, these courses can lead to:

• aquarist keeper
• aquaculture technician
• tank manager
• aquatic facilities manager
• science communicator
• conservation officer
• education project coordinator

Public aquariums are looking for versatile profiles, able to combine scientific rigor, technical expertise, and the ability to engage the public.

Aquariums are not just places to visit.
They are spaces for sharing knowledge, science, and commitment to living things.

BTSA Aquaculture

Bourcefranc-le-Chapus (17) – Lycée de la Mer

La Rochelle (17) – Maritime high school

Fouesnant (29) – Lycée de Bréhoulou

Ahun (23) – Agricultural high school

Poisy (74) – Agricultural high school

Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle (64)

Specialized professional bachelor’s degrees

Inland Aquaculture and Aquarium Science

Université de Lorraine – Nancy (54)

Sustainable Aquaculture

La Rochelle Université – La Rochelle (17)

Aquaculture production and microalgae

Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour – Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle (64)

Maritime professions

Université de Bretagne Occidentale – Brest (29)