From the afternoon of May 9, six student delegates from KAKEMA (Scientific Student Studies) at FPK Universitas Airlangga embarked on their journey to Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, for the Brawijaya Channa Contest 2025. Upon arrival, the participants conducted a fish check-in and immediately engaged with the local Channa fish community. These interactions provided an excellent platform for knowledge exchange, allowing students to share and acquire insights on Channa cultivation techniques—a rapidly growing area of interest among aquaculture enthusiasts. The first day concluded with hotel check-in, followed by an educational visit to a local biofloc aquaculture facility. This experience was invaluable as participants observed firsthand the innovative application of biofloc technology in fish farming, learning about its benefits and challenges in sustainable aquaculture practices.
On the second day, the students attended the contest venue, where they participated in scheduled activities organized by the Himpunan Mahasiswa Budidaya Perairan (Aquaculture Student Association). They received detailed explanations on competition rules, assessment criteria, and best practices in Channa breeding. The Airlangga team also introduced FPK Universitas Airlangga to other participants, enhancing academic networking and fostering collaboration opportunities. In addition, the students gained in-depth knowledge of emerging trends in aquaculture, from fingerling selection to efficient maintenance techniques. The day ended with a group dinner and strategic discussions on contest preparation, reflecting the students’ commitment to both learning and competition.
The final day saw the participants return to Universitas Brawijaya for the Indonesian Aquaculture Week seminar. The seminar provided deep insights into current industry developments and challenges faced by aquaculture professionals. After attending sessions and engaging with experts, the students eagerly awaited the competition results—a moment filled with excitement and anticipation. The event concluded with a fish check-out process before the team returned to Surabaya. Beyond competition, this three-day experience offered students practical knowledge, strengthened community ties within the Channa aquaculture network, and encouraged future collaboration to advance the field of aquaculture research and sustainable practices.
