The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), reaffirmed its commitment to higher education internationalization through AIRVENTURE (Airlangga Adventure) 2026, an inbound program initiated by Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) with FPK UNAIR as the main academic facilitator. Entering its second day on 30 April 2026, the program centered on field-based environmental education and aquaculture practices, offering contextual and experiential learning for international students while strengthening global academic collaboration in fisheries and marine sciences.
AIRVENTURE 2026 was designed to introduce international students to Indonesia’s academic environment, coastal and marine resource potential, and sustainable fisheries management practices. The second-day agenda took place in Surabaya and Sidoarjo, where participants, accompanied by FPK UNAIR lecturers and facilitators, engaged directly with coastal ecosystem education and aquaculture industry practices. The program combined observation, discussion, and applied learning to provide a comprehensive understanding of fisheries management from upstream conservation to downstream processing. By involving international students in structured field visits, FPK UNAIR demonstrated how academic knowledge, research insights, and community-based practices intersect in real-world settings, reflecting its commitment to applied education and global engagement.
Coastal Ecosystem Education at Mangrove Gunung Anyar
The first visit was conducted at Mangrove Gunung Anyar, a coastal ecotourism and conservation area in Surabaya that functions as both an environmental preservation site and an educational center. Participants explored the boardwalk area to observe mangrove vegetation zonation, including Rhizophora and Avicennia species, while learning about ecosystem characteristics and biodiversity. Resource persons explained the ecological functions of mangroves in stabilizing coastlines, preventing abrasion, absorbing carbon, and providing habitats for aquatic organisms.
The students also visited the bird watching area and mangrove nursery facilities to gain insight into sustainable coastal conservation management. Through interactive field discussions, participants analyzed the relationship between mangrove ecosystem health, water quality, and fisheries productivity. The activity emphasized an educational and observational approach; therefore, students did not conduct direct planting activities but focused instead on scientific understanding, environmental governance, and ecosystem-based management principles relevant to sustainable fisheries development. This session strengthened participants’ awareness of how coastal ecosystems contribute significantly to environmental resilience and fisheries sustainability.
Aquaculture Management and Processing Practice at Fish Booster Sidoarjo
The program then continued to Fish Booster in Sidoarjo, an aquaculture-based enterprise integrating fish farming and post-harvest processing. In this session, participants received detailed explanations on aquaculture management stages, including pond preparation, water quality control, selection of high-quality fingerlings, feeding strategies, and fish disease management. Local practitioners demonstrated the application of simple yet effective technologies to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
Beyond production, students engaged in a fish fillet processing session covering post-harvest handling techniques, hygiene and sanitation standards, proper filleting procedures, and product packaging to increase added value and market competitiveness. This integrated exposure allowed participants to understand the fisheries value chain holistically—from coastal ecosystem conservation to aquaculture production and product downstreaming—illustrating how academic concepts are implemented within local industry practices. By directly observing operational systems, international students gained practical insight into Indonesia’s fisheries sector and its commitment to sustainable production.
Strengthening Global Networks and Contributing to the SDGs
The enthusiasm of participants was reflected in the testimony shared by Imen from Universiti Utara Malaysia, who described AIRVENTURE 2026 as an enjoyable and meaningful experience. She emphasized that the program expanded her knowledge in fisheries and marine sciences while also allowing her to explore Indonesian culture more closely. According to her, interactions with local students and the dynamic, interactive discussions throughout the activities made the experience even more memorable.
Overall, AIRVENTURE 2026 served not only as a field-based academic program but also as a cross-cultural platform that strengthened FPK UNAIR’s international network. Collaboration among higher education institutions, local industry partners, and international students reflected the implementation of SDGs 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in advancing global cooperation in fisheries and marine sciences. Meanwhile, education on mangrove conservation and sustainable aquaculture practices aligned with SDGs 14 (Life Below Water) and SDGs 13 (Climate Action), promoting awareness of coastal ecosystem protection and responsible fisheries resource management. The second-day series concluded as part of the broader AIRVENTURE 2026 agenda, which continued with interactive and cultural activities on the following day, including morning exercise at the faculty, team-building games, Friday prayer, and a visit to a local souvenir center before participants returned to the hotel. Collectively, AIRVENTURE 2026 reinforces FPK UNAIR’s position as a higher education institution actively integrating academic learning, field experience, and global collaboration to support sustainable fisheries and marine development.
