Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga continues to demonstrate its commitment to producing highly competent human resources in the fisheries sector through the implementation of the Basic Aquaculture Practicum on Monday morning, 18 May 2026. Conducted within the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine environment at Universitas Airlangga, the practicum became an essential field-based learning activity for second-semester students of the Aquaculture Study Program in understanding the fundamental principles of aquaculture through direct and practical experience.
The practicum was specifically designed as an introductory and foundational course to prepare students for a more comprehensive understanding of aquaculture sciences. In addition to learning theoretical concepts in the classroom, students were given opportunities to apply their knowledge directly through field practice activities, particularly in the preparation stages of aquaculture ponds. This practice-oriented learning approach represents an important step in developing students’ technical competencies from an early stage, enabling them to understand real-world aquaculture conditions and challenges.
During the practicum, students conducted sediment sampling activities, which constitute one of the crucial components in aquaculture management. Observations and measurements included soil pH testing and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) level analysis within pond sediments. These two environmental parameters play significant roles in determining aquaculture water quality and the survival of aquatic organisms. Through this activity, students were encouraged to understand that successful aquaculture practices are influenced not only by the cultivated organisms themselves, but also by the quality of the cultivation media and surrounding environmental conditions.
The practicum was directly supervised by course lecturers Hanif Azhar, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D. and Daruti Dinda Nindarwi, S.Pi., M.P. In addition, the Dean of FPK UNAIR, Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Dewi Masithah, M.P., attended the activity to provide guidance and motivation to students before the practicum commenced. In her remarks, she emphasized that the Basic Aquaculture Practicum serves as an essential foundation that must be mastered by aquaculture students as a primary provision for understanding scientifically and professionally managed aquaculture systems.
She also highlighted the importance of critical thinking, discipline, and seriousness throughout the practicum process. According to her, the ability to analyze aquaculture environmental conditions is a fundamental skill that every future aquaculture graduate must possess in order to face the increasingly technology-driven challenges of the modern fisheries sector.
Through this activity, students gained not only academic experience but also improved their observation skills, field data analysis abilities, and collaborative teamwork competencies. Field-based practicums such as this are expected to strengthen students’ readiness for future careers and research opportunities in aquaculture and aquatic resource management.
The implementation of the Basic Aquaculture Practicum also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through strengthening practice-based learning and enhancing student competencies. Furthermore, the activity supports SDG 14: Life Below Water by introducing students to the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly aquaculture management practices to support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector.
Through the successful implementation of this practicum, FPK UNAIR once again reaffirmed its role as a higher education institution committed to producing high-quality, adaptive, and competitive graduates who are prepared to contribute to the sustainable development of Indonesia’s fisheries and marine sectors.
Penulis : FBM
Penyunting : TPA
