Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration through the TROFIA 2026 program. On May 7, 2026, FPK UNAIR welcomed an honorary visit from Dr. Sukrit Nimitkul as part of a strategic academic agenda that included direct field exploration to study the richness of coastal ecosystems.
During the visit, Dr. Sukrit was accompanied by the Vice Dean II of FPK UNAIR, Kustiawan Tri Pursetyo, in exploring the Gunung Anyar mangrove ecotourism area in Surabaya. The collaborative academic atmosphere was evident as delegates from Kasetsart University together with FPK UNAIR representatives directly observed muddy coastal waters among the mangrove root systems. The field activity provided participants with firsthand experience in understanding the ecological dynamics of mangrove habitats and their biodiversity potential.
Through the mangrove exploration activity, the academics identified various species of seashells and mollusks inhabiting the intertidal zone. Field observations revealed several specimens of mangrove snails belonging to the Potamididae family, which are among the characteristic organisms found in tropical mangrove ecosystems. The identification of seashell species within mangrove habitats holds important ecological significance. Benthic organisms such as shellfish function as natural filter feeders and environmental bioindicators capable of reflecting the health condition of aquatic ecosystems. The presence and diversity of mollusk species can provide valuable information regarding water quality, ecosystem productivity, and the environmental pressures affecting coastal habitats.
The activity was not merely an academic visit but also served as a platform for knowledge transfer between Kasetsart University and FPK UNAIR. Through direct habitat observation, both institutions are expected to further develop opportunities for international collaborative research focusing on coastal biodiversity conservation, marine biotechnology, and sustainable mangrove ecosystem management across Southeast Asia. The interaction between researchers from different institutions also strengthened academic networks while promoting interdisciplinary approaches to marine and environmental studies.
This mangrove biodiversity exploration activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water through efforts to strengthen coastal biodiversity conservation and mangrove habitat protection, SDG 15: Life on Land through the preservation of biodiversity within coastal transition ecosystems, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the enhancement of international collaboration between Universitas Airlangga and Kasetsart University in marine and environmental research development.
Through this initiative, FPK UNAIR hopes that the international collaboration established will not only strengthen academic networks but also encourage the development of innovative research that contributes directly to the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems in the future.
Penulis: Terry Previo Avianto
Penyunting: MNGA
