Lesson series

A Global Introduction to IMTA certificate

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) is the integration of fish farming and aquatic plant farming. Using IMTA production techniques, uneaten feed and waste from one species can be converted into feed, fertilizers, and energy for another species. 

This short introduction to a complex subject is now available from a global expert - Professor Thierry Chopin of the University of New Brunswick, Canada. 


Thierry, is sharing his presentations from 2020 to introduce some basic concepts and references for those interested in the IMTA sector and as a prerequisite to a soon to be published certificate course in IMTA. 

Professional outcomes

From this short course you will have an introduction to IMTA and be prepared for ongoing education. 

By attending this course you will gain access to the SEA IMTA community space which will also feature webinars, further reading material and discounts to partner events. 

Requirements for these course

As a free introduction course this education material comes with no prerequisites.  But please bring the following. 
  • A passion for the blue environment
  • An open mind to the potential of diversified aquaculture. 
  • An interest to contribute to the IMTA community space in SEA.
Meet the instructor

Professor Thierry Chopin

Born and educated in France.  Thierry obtained a Doctorate from the University of Western Brittany, Brest, France. Thierry moved to Canada in 1989 and is currently Professor of Marine Biology at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John.

Thierry was, from 2010 to 2017, the Scientific Director of the Canadian Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Network (CIMTAN), an interdisciplinary strategic network of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Thierry created the company Chopin Coastal Health Solutions Inc. in July 2016 and am its President. 

Thierry is a past President of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, the Phycological Society of America and the International Seaweed Association (of which he was also Secretary General for 6 years). Thierry is an advisor to the International Foundation for Science and a member of the Editorial Boards of six journals and one professional magazine. He is also a columnist with International Aquafeed.

Thierry was the recipient of the NSERC Synergy Award for Innovation, the Aquaculture Association of Canada Research Award of Excellence, the New Brunswick BioSciences Achievement Award, the R3 (Research, Results, Recognition) Award of the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, the Coup de Coeur Award of the Conseil Economique du Nouveau-Brunswick, and the Simply the Best Award of the UNB Associated Alumni.

Thierry is an Honorary Consul of France and Knight in the Ordre National du Mérite, Officer in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques and Knight in the Ordre du Mérite Maritime.

Hi is also a Compagnon in the Ordre des Compagnons du Beaujolais and Ambassador Très Beaujolais.
Patrick Jones - Course author
Thierry's research focuses on the ecophysiology, biochemistry and cultivation of seaweeds of commercial value and the development of responsible and efficient Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems for increased environmental sustainability (nutrient biomitigation and other ecosystem services, and green technologies for improved ecosystem health), economic stability (improved output, product diversification, risk reduction and job creation in coastal communities) and societal acceptability (better management practices, improved regulatory governance and appreciation of differentiated and safe products).

Thierry is promoting a greener Blue Economy, the Turquoise Economy, in which ecosystem services, provided in particular by extractive aquaculture (seaweeds and invertebrates), are recognized, valued and used as financial and regulatory incentives, through nutrient trading credits, within a circular economy approach.
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