Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga, continues to strengthen its international academic network through an online guest lecture held on June 11, 2026. The event featured Dr. Shuaida Shuib from the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, who delivered a presentation entitled “Macrofauna in Penang Mangroves.” The lecture highlighted the important role of macrofauna as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health and their relevance in supporting sustainable coastal environmental management.
The guest lecture was attended by 52 Aquaculture students specializing in Marine Science and Technology, along with Nina Nurmalia Dewi, S.Pi., M.Si., lecturer of the Tropical Marine Ecology course. The activity formed part of FPK UNAIR’s commitment to expanding students’ global perspectives in coastal ecology and aquatic resource conservation. Through this session, participants were introduced to recent research findings on mangrove macrofauna communities in Penang, Malaysia, while gaining a deeper understanding of the ecological significance of benthic organisms in maintaining coastal ecosystem stability.
In her presentation, Dr. Shuaida explained that benthic organisms are species that inhabit the bottom of aquatic environments and perform essential ecological functions. Macrofauna groups such as crabs, mollusks, and marine worms contribute significantly to organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and energy transfer within food webs. Beyond their ecological importance, many of these organisms also hold socio-economic value as food resources and as contributors to sustainable fisheries development.
“Macrofauna are not merely inhabitants of mangrove ecosystems; they also serve as biological indicators capable of providing comprehensive information about the condition of coastal environments,” Dr. Shuaida explained during her presentation.
Participants were further introduced to the various environmental factors influencing macrofauna distribution. Habitat characteristics such as sediment type, water depth, habitat complexity, and mangrove vegetation are among the primary determinants of benthic organism abundance and diversity. In addition, seasonal changes, tidal fluctuations, human activities, and climate change can significantly affect macrofauna community dynamics over time.
One of the key topics discussed during the lecture was the role of mangrove crabs as ecosystem engineers. Mangrove crabs contribute to ecosystem functioning through bioturbation, a process in which sediment is reworked and aerated, enhancing oxygen circulation and accelerating nutrient recycling within mangrove habitats. As a result, the presence and diversity of crab species are often used as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health and resilience.
In addition to discussing ecological functions, Dr. Shuaida introduced participants to various research methodologies used in mangrove macrofauna studies. Traditional sampling methods are increasingly being complemented by environmentally friendly approaches such as video-recording technology. Based on the studies presented, video monitoring techniques can reduce habitat disturbance while providing efficient and reliable data for observing the behavior and abundance of mangrove crabs.
“Effective mangrove conservation requires a comprehensive understanding of the organisms that inhabit these ecosystems. By studying macrofauna, we can monitor environmental changes and develop more appropriate management strategies,” she added.
The lecture also addressed several threats currently facing mangrove ecosystems, including coastal reclamation, deforestation, unsustainable aquaculture practices, and environmental pollution. These pressures can significantly affect the abundance, behavior, and species composition of macrofauna communities living within mangrove habitats. Therefore, utilizing macrofauna as biological indicators has become an important scientific approach for supporting evidence-based conservation and coastal management efforts.
Through this activity, students gained valuable insights into the interconnected relationship between coastal biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and community well-being. These discussions are highly relevant to global environmental challenges and support the implementation of SDG 13 (Climate Action) by increasing understanding of environmental changes affecting mangrove ecosystems. Furthermore, mangrove conservation and coastal biodiversity protection contribute directly to SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The academic collaboration between Universitas Airlangga and Universiti Sains Malaysia also reflects the implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened international cooperation in education and research.
As a follow-up to this activity, students are encouraged to further develop their interest in research related to coastal ecology, mangrove conservation, and sustainable aquatic resource management. Through exposure to international expertise and current scientific developments, FPK UNAIR aims to cultivate future researchers and professionals capable of contributing to sustainable coastal and marine ecosystem management at both national and global levels.
Writer : Farrel Bhanu Mahardhika
Editor : TPA
