Surabaya, September 24, 2025 – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), welcomed a delegation of six representatives from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California, USA, for a collaborative meeting held at the Ruang Garam meeting room. The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation in sustainable aquaculture and marine research.
The delegation was received by Mr. Annur Ahadi, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships; Mr. Kustiawan, Vice Dean for Resources; along with several lecturers from the Aquaculture Study Program. Representing the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Mr. Timothy Patrick Moore expressed strong interest in establishing a partnership with FPK UNAIR focused on tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) aquaculture management, including aspects of technical cultivation, broodstock quality, environmental impact, and socio-economic development.
This prospective collaboration serves as a continuation of the initial cooperation initiated in the previous year by Dr. Ayulana, a lecturer in the Aquaculture Program of FPK UNAIR, in partnership with PT Alter Trade Indonesia as a facilitating organization connecting FPK UNAIR and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The initiative aims to combine the expertise of both institutions in advancing sustainable aquaculture practices that support marine ecosystem health and community welfare.
During the visit, both the Monterey Bay Aquarium and PT Alter Trade Indonesia representatives had the opportunity to tour FPK UNAIR’s educational and research facilities, including laboratories and aquaculture units that support hands-on learning and applied research. The visit provided an overview of FPK UNAIR’s commitment to advancing innovation in fisheries and aquaculture through international collaboration, modern technology integration, and community-based sustainability initiatives.
“We hope this collaboration can be realized soon, starting with the signing of a formal agreement between FPK UNAIR and the Monterey Bay Aquarium,” said a representative from FPK UNAIR. This partnership is expected to open doors for joint research projects, student exchange programs, and knowledge-sharing workshops, especially in the areas of shrimp aquaculture sustainability, marine biodiversity, and responsible trade practices.
Through this strategic partnership, FPK UNAIR continues to strengthen its international presence and commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life below water (SDG 14) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). The collaboration with Monterey Bay Aquarium is not only a milestone for the faculty but also a testament to UNAIR’s dedication to bridging science, sustainability, and global collaboration in the field of marine and fisheries sciences.
