In conversation with Cédric Chevrollier of the French Aquaculture Cooperative
Behind Halamid® is a network of dedicated distributors serving aquaculture professionals in more than 60 countries. In this interview, Cédric Chevrollier introduces the French Aquaculture Cooperative (COFA), explains how Halamid® is used in fish farming and shares his perspective on the sector’s next chapter.
COFA: a cooperative built by and for fish farmers
Cédric Chevrollier: “The French Aquaculture Cooperative has supported fish farmers throughout France since 1947. Created by professionals for professionals, COFA supplies the equipment, materials and products required for aquaculture operations, with a focus on competitive pricing and practical service.”
“COFA’s cooperative model keeps decisions closely aligned with day-to-day realities on fish farms. Its board is made up of fish farmers from across the country, and all or part of the cooperative’s surplus can be redistributed to members as patronage rebates.”
“Today, COFA offers more than 1,500 product references for aquaculture and water-related activities. Many solutions are introduced in direct response to suggestions from members, allowing the cooperative to remain agile, relevant and human in scale.”
Three key uses of Halamid® in aquaculture
Cédric Chevrollier: “In our experience, three applications stand out in everyday fish farming.”
- Supporting water quality after flooding. Floodwater can carry heavy loads of silt and suspended particles. Appropriate treatment can help restore water quality more quickly and reduce flood-related stress, including when fish remain present, provided the relevant protocol is followed.
- Treating salmonid eggs. Halamid® can be used after fertilisation or preventively during incubation to help inhibit the development of Saprolegnia.
- Disinfecting equipment and tools. Halamid® provides a practical option for nets, tools and other farm equipment. Its non-corrosive profile is particularly valuable in routine biosecurity programmes.
“This versatility makes Halamid® a useful day-to-day ally across several stages of production,” Cédric adds.
Why Halamid® fits modern fish-farming operations
Supplied as a powder, Halamid® is easy to store and offers excellent stability over time. Its concentrated solid format also provides logistical advantages by avoiding the transport of up to 70% water compared with certain liquid products.
Its broad spectrum of activity and low potential for pathogen resistance make it a versatile choice for biosecurity programmes. Halamid® is also classified as readily biodegradable and is non-corrosive when used according to the appropriate instructions.
Responding to the challenges facing French aquaculture
French aquaculture producers operate under demanding regulatory, environmental and health constraints. Maintaining high water quality within farms and in discharged effluents is essential, while climate change is contributing to shifting disease patterns and the range of available treatment substances is becoming more limited.
These combined pressures can affect both production performance and economic resilience. According to Cédric, solutions such as Halamid® are increasingly relevant because they support the dual objective of operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The future: more technology, more control and growing use of RAS
Over the past decade, aquaculture has moved towards larger, more technology-intensive operations. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), automation and advanced process control are gaining ground as producers respond to economic, sanitary and environmental pressures.
RAS rely on biofilters to maintain water quality, which creates a need for carefully selected disinfectants and clearly defined protocols. Studies referenced by Halamid® indicate that, at recommended water-treatment dosages, the product is compatible with the useful bacteria involved in biofilter nitrification. This gives Halamid® strong potential in increasingly controlled production environments.
Meet COFA and continue the conversation
COFA attended the Aquaculture Research Days in Rennes on 30 June and 1 July 2026 as a partner of the event. The cooperative sees exchanges between researchers and producers as essential to developing solutions that respond to real farm conditions.
COFA also welcomes aquaculture professionals at its premises in Avrillé, near Angers, France. For Cédric, strong partnerships are built through local knowledge, direct dialogue and close collaboration on the ground.
One product, a global network, local expertise: COFA’s experience illustrates how Halamid® distributors help aquaculture professionals translate proven disinfection principles into practical, locally relevant biosecurity programmes.
