Surabaya – The catfish fishing competition became one of the highlights of the 18th Anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga on Sunday (26/7/2026). Held at the FPK UNAIR pond area, the competition attracted students, lecturers, educational staff, members of the public, and fishing communities. The participation of people from diverse backgrounds transformed the event into not only a friendly competition but also an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the university and the wider community.
As part of the anniversary celebration, the fishing competition was designed to create a more inclusive atmosphere while introducing FPK UNAIR to the public through an activity closely related to the fisheries sector. Participants showed great enthusiasm from the beginning of the event, eager to compete while enjoying the spirit of togetherness that characterized this year’s anniversary celebration.
Promoting Sportsmanship and Togetherness
The competition featured catfish as the main species for participants to catch. Once the starting signal was given, participants competed to secure the best catch while following the rules established by the organizing committee. The event was filled with excitement as participants and spectators cheered enthusiastically throughout the competition.
Despite the competitive atmosphere, participants consistently demonstrated sportsmanship. They exchanged fishing experiences, discussed various fishing techniques, and encouraged one another throughout the event. These interactions reflected that the competition was not merely about determining winners but also about fostering meaningful connections within and beyond the university community.
Moch. Farudin, a 2022 student from the Fish Product Technology Study Program and one of the participants, expressed his enthusiasm for taking part in the competition. According to him, competing alongside participants from different backgrounds created a unique experience compared to ordinary fishing tournaments.
“I’m happy to participate in this competition because the participants come from various backgrounds. We had the opportunity to compete alongside members of the public and fishing communities. Events like this show that FPK UNAIR is open to the community and can organize activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable,” he said.
Farudin also hoped that the fishing competition would remain part of future FPK UNAIR anniversary celebrations. He believes the event serves as an effective way to introduce the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine to people interested in fisheries while strengthening the relationship between the academic community and the public.
Strengthening Collaboration Between the University and the Community
The competition also received support from Bandung Fishing as the event sponsor. The sponsorship included the provision of the grand prize in the form of a complete fishing equipment set for the winner. The involvement of the sponsor reflected the participation of community groups and business partners in supporting the success of the 18th Anniversary celebration.
This collaboration demonstrates how university events can become platforms for synergy between higher education institutions, community organizations, business sectors, and the public. Beyond providing recreational entertainment, the fishing competition strengthened the connection between academia and communities with an interest in fisheries. Through activities like this, FPK UNAIR can introduce fisheries to the public in a more engaging and accessible way.
The catfish fishing competition also reflected the spirit of the 18th Anniversary of FPK UNAIR, which emphasized collaboration, togetherness, and community engagement. Through this event, FPK UNAIR hopes the anniversary will serve not only as a milestone in the faculty’s journey but also as an opportunity to expand partnerships, strengthen relationships with the community, and inspire greater public interest in the fisheries sector. The participation of people from various backgrounds demonstrated that the university can provide an open, inclusive, and memorable environment for everyone involved.
Writer : Farrel Bhanu Mahardhika
Editor : TPA
