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75822 - Systems Management and Innovative Technologies in Aquaculture

Academic Year 2026/2027

                
                        Docente:
                        Alessio Bonaldo
                    
                        Credits:
                        4
                    
                        SSD:
                        AGRI-09/D
                    
                        Language:
                        Italian
                    
                        Moduli:
                        
                            Alessio Bonaldo
                            (Modulo 1)
                        
                            Luca Parma
                            (Modulo 2)
                        
                        Teaching Mode:
                        
                                    In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); 
                                
                                    In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2)
                                
                            Campus:
                            Cesena
                        
                            Corso:
                            First cycle degree programme (L) in
                            Aquaculture and Fish Production Hygiene (cod. 6062)

                            Teaching resources on Virtuale
                        
                                        Course Timetable
                                    
from Sep 17, 2026 to Nov 17, 2026

                                        Course Timetable
                                    
from Sep 18, 2026 to Nov 20, 2026

Learning outcomes

The course provides knowledge on certification schemes and quality labels in the aquaculture production chain, organic aquaculture, the environmental impact of aquaculture production, and hygiene and health requirements for aquaculture farms.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the skills needed to support strategic decisions concerning aquaculture facilities and production systems, including organic production and products covered by specific quality labels or certification schemes. Students will also develop competencies in the sustainable management of aquaculture farms, with particular reference to environmental impacts.

Course contents

Quality and certification in aquaculture: principles, standards, traceability, controls, and the role of certification in product valorisation.

Organic aquaculture: EU legislation, farming systems, feeding, animal welfare, health management, certification, and labelling.

ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council): environmental and social sustainability, animal welfare, feeds, auditing, and Chain of Custody.

GLOBALG.A.P.: structure of the IFA standard, food safety, environment, animal welfare, feeds, traceability, and controls.

ASC vs GLOBALG.A.P.: comparison of the two certification schemes and a case study on European sea bass and gilthead sea bream.

PDO and PGI: the European system of Geographical Indications, product specifications, links between products and geographical origin, controls, and labelling.

PDO and PGI in aquaculture: current use, opportunities, and challenges.

Case studies: Trote del Trentino PGI and Cozza di Scardovari PDO, including analysis of their product specifications and the relationships between environment, farming systems, and product quality.

Final comparison of organic aquaculture, ASC, GLOBALG.A.P., PDO and PGI, and future perspectives for certification in aquaculture.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture slides.

Teaching methods

Lectures supported by multimedia presentations, complemented by the analysis of case studies, product specifications, and certification standards applied to the aquaculture sector. Classes will also include opportunities for discussion and interaction with students based on practical examples.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of an oral exam with 1–2 questions on the different certification schemes covered during the course. The exam aims to assess students’ knowledge of the main certification requirements, their ability to understand the differences among certification schemes, and to apply the concepts acquired to the aquaculture sector.

Teaching tools

Multimedia presentations, teaching materials provided by the lecturer, regulatory documents, product specifications, standards and guidelines of the main certification schemes, case studies, and online resources.

Office hours

See the website of Alessio Bonaldo

See the website of Luca Parma