Bruno Fontan, CEO of Aquabio, a hydroecology consulting firm

After graduating with a postgraduate degree (DESS) in Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics (DYNEA) from UPPA in 1997, Bruno Fontan founded Aquabio, the first consultancy firm specializing in aquatic ecology, in 1998. Steady growth later led to the opening of five offices across France.

What were the major milestones of your academic journey?

I have always been passionate about aquatic environments. However, I did not enter university with the idea of becoming a hydrobiologist, a profession I was not familiar with at the time. I began with a DEUG B degree in the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Bordeaux, then continued with a bachelor’s degree in cell biology and a master’s degree in organism and population biology. I had the opportunity to complete my civil service within the DIREN Aquitaine (Regional Directorate for the Environment), where I learned a large part of my profession. I then joined the very first class of the postgraduate degree (DESS) in Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics (DYNEA) at UPPA.

This DESS was the second hydrobiology program in France after the one in Besançon, which was the historic reference. At that time, we were only a small group of students. It was a privileged course where I acquired complementary skills.

How did you build your professional career?

My experience within the DIREN and the foundations I gained there, reinforced by the skills acquired during the DESS, shaped my vision of hydroecology.

The French Water Law of January 3, 1992 highlighted the need to protect aquatic ecosystems. It also created the need for independent consultancy firms specializing in the diagnosis and assessment of aquatic environments. This is what led me to found Aquabio after graduating from the DESS.

I worked alone for five years, and the company gradually evolved. To meet the demands of a rapidly growing market, I hired one employee, then a second, a third, and so on. Aquabio became the first consultancy firm to receive accreditation from COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee), which certifies laboratory competence.

How has Aquabio developed since 1998?

In 2007, the company became a SCOP (worker cooperative company). Today, we have 100 employees.

We are the leading consultancy firm in France specializing in the sampling and analysis of fauna and flora (macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, phytoplankton, diatoms, fish, etc.), aquatic environment management, research, and project development. We opened a research laboratory dedicated to lakes and reservoirs, with a full-time researcher whose studies have resulted in several international publications. This colleague also completed the Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics Master’s degree at UPPA through a VAE process, just as I had done myself!

What relationship do you maintain with UPPA today?

I have maintained strong ties with UPPA. Aquabio shares a laboratory within UPPA in Anglet alongside IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea).

I taught within the DESS in Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics as well as in the professional bachelor’s degree in agroecology. Today, several Aquabio employees — all former UPPA students — have taken over from me.

Do you remember any anecdote from your years on campus?

I was deeply marked by the creation of the DESS in Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics at UPPA. It was unusual because everything had to be built from scratch, and we were housed in a former primary school. I have very fond memories of it. I wanted to preserve this pioneering spirit by founding Aquabio.

What advice would you give to a student starting out?

Building a successful company takes time. You must not be impatient or expect everything immediately. It is a gradual process that requires a great deal of work and a significant amount of patience. The road to success is long, and you always learn from your failures.

Interview conducted by Séverine Cuesta 

Learn more

Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics Program   

Aquabio