A fully funded doctoral project in France is open for candidates interested in regenerative aquaculture, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), salt-marsh ecosystems and sustainable seafood production. The project will study how fish, shrimp and shellfish farming can be combined in Atlantic salt marshes to improve productivity while reducing environmental pressure.
The PhD is hosted by INRAE, the Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, within UMR 1069 Sol Agro et hydrosysteme Spatialisation (SAS). The doctoral school is Ecole doctorale Ecologie, Geosciences, Agronomie et Alimentation (EGAAL). The work is connected to the AQUASEQ 2026-2028 programme, supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and Fondation Ginkgo pour l’environnement.
PhD Project Overview
- Thesis topic: Agroecological performance of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems in Atlantic salt marshes
- Acronym: AGROECOMAT
- Start date: 1 October 2026
- End date: 30 September 2029
- Funding: 100 percent secured through private foundation support
- Contract type: Public fixed-term research contract
- Experimental setting: Atlantic coastal salt-marsh aquaculture facilities, including work around Bourcefranc-le-Chapus
Research Focus
The project focuses on temporal IMTA systems. In winter, the system includes semi-intensive rainbow trout production. In summer, the same marsh environment supports shrimp, oyster and clam culture, including Ruditapes philippinarum. The core research question is whether nutrients introduced during one production season can support later shellfish and shrimp growth while improving circularity.
The selected PhD candidate will examine nutrient flows, biodiversity indicators, productivity, organic matter storage and release, and the overall agroecological performance of the system. The work combines field experimentation, ecological analysis, agronomy and biological systems modelling.
Why This Matters for Aquaculture
Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture is designed so that waste from fed species can become a resource for extractive species such as shellfish or algae. If the system performs well, it can help reduce nutrient pollution, improve resource use and support more resilient seafood production in sensitive coastal landscapes.
Who Can Apply
The opportunity is suitable for applicants with a Master’s degree or equivalent background in ecology, agronomy, environmental sciences, aquatic biology, systems modelling or a closely related field. Knowledge of aquatic ecosystem biology is recommended.
Funding and Application Deadline
The doctoral project is fully funded for three years and is linked to a public research employment contract. Interested candidates should apply through the official application portal before 15 December 2026.