Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) provided a different learning experience for freshmen through the Mini Practicum on Fundamentals of Aquaculture and Raw Material Processing as part of the Jaladhi 2026 series on Thursday (6/8/2026). As part of the Faculty-level PKKMB within the broader PKKMB Amerta Universitas Airlangga program, the activity served as an initial introduction to the practical learning experiences that students will encounter throughout their studies at FPK UNAIR.
Introducing Fundamental Knowledge Through Hands-On Practice
Held within the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine at UNAIR, the mini practicum introduced freshmen to fundamental courses related to the Aquaculture and Fisheries Product Technology Study Programs. Adopting an experiential learning approach, participants were not only introduced to theoretical concepts but were also directly involved in a series of practical simulations designed to reflect actual activities commonly conducted during their university studies. Through this approach, students were encouraged to understand that learning in fisheries and marine sciences extends beyond the classroom and requires direct observation, measurement, analysis, and technical skills.
In the Mini Practicum on Fundamentals of Aquaculture, participants were divided into three learning stations. The first station focused on measuring physical water quality parameters in aquaculture systems, including temperature, water clarity, odor, and color. These parameters provided students with an initial understanding of how physical characteristics can be observed and evaluated as part of aquaculture management. At the second station, participants were introduced to chemical water quality measurements, including pH, salinity, Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Meanwhile, the third station allowed students to practice salinity dilution while also measuring soil pH as one of the important parameters in fisheries and aquaculture activities. The activities gave freshmen an opportunity to experience firsthand how basic environmental parameters are measured and interpreted in aquaculture practices.
Meanwhile, the Mini Practicum on Raw Material Processing consisted of two learning stations. At the first station, participants conducted a sensory evaluation of fresh fish by observing several organoleptic characteristics, including the condition of the eyes, gills, flesh, and mucus as indicators of fish freshness. The activity introduced students to the importance of sensory observation in assessing the quality of fishery products. At the second station, students practiced fish filleting techniques, from skin-on to skinless fillets, as an introduction to basic skills in fisheries product processing. Through these activities, participants gained an initial understanding of how scientific knowledge and technical skills are applied throughout the fisheries production and processing chain.
Building a Foundation for Future Fisheries Professionals
The entire mini practicum was guided by students from the Badan Semi Otonom Kajian Keilmiahan Mahasiswa (KAKEMA) and Fisheries Processing Club (FPC). The involvement of these student organizations provided freshmen with an opportunity to learn directly from their peers who already had academic and practical experience. This peer-to-peer learning approach also created a more interactive environment, allowing participants to ask questions, observe demonstrations, and gain a closer perspective on the practical learning culture within FPK UNAIR.
As part of the learning outcomes, each participant was required to prepare a simple practicum report based on the observations and activities conducted during the session. Through this assignment, students were encouraged to begin developing essential academic competencies, particularly observation, analysis, data interpretation, and scientific writing. These skills are expected to become an important foundation as students progress through more advanced courses, laboratory activities, research projects, and other academic assignments during their university education.
Through the Jaladhi 2026 Mini Practicum, FPK UNAIR demonstrated its commitment to providing learning experiences that are practical, collaborative, and oriented toward competency development from the very beginning of students’ academic journeys. Beyond introducing freshmen to basic aquaculture and fisheries product processing practices, the activity also encouraged students to recognize the connection between scientific knowledge and its practical application in the fisheries and marine sector. The program further supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through practice-based learning experiences, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among the faculty, student organizations, and the academic community in creating an innovative and high-quality learning environment.
Writer : Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
Editor : TPA
