Surabaya – The Introduction to the Aquaculture Study Program, held as part of the 2026 Campus Life Introduction Program for New Students (PKKMB) at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), was delivered through an engaging and hands-on approach. In collaboration with the Aquaculture Student Association (HIMAKUA) and the Student Scientific Studies Semi-Autonomous Body (BSO KAKEMA), new students were introduced to one of the applied areas of aquaculture through an aquascaping activity that combined classroom-based learning with hands-on practice at the FPK UNAIR courtyard.
The activity was designed to provide new students with an applicable learning experience from the beginning of their academic journey in aquaculture. Rather than only understanding concepts theoretically, students were encouraged to explore how aquaculture-related knowledge can be applied through the arrangement of aquatic ecosystems on a small scale. This approach allowed students to gain an initial understanding of how scientific principles can be translated into practical activities.
Introducing the Fundamentals of Aquascaping
The session began with classroom-based instruction on the fundamental concepts of aquascaping, covering its definition, key components, and the principles involved in creating an aquatic ecosystem within an aquarium. Students were introduced to various elements, including aquatic plants, planting media, rocks, and wood, as well as how each component should be arranged by considering both aesthetic aspects and the biological needs of aquatic organisms.
Through the session, new students gained an understanding that aquascaping is not merely about arranging decorative elements in an aquarium. It can also serve as a learning medium for exploring ecological principles and the management of aquatic environments, which are closely related to the field of aquaculture. This initial understanding was then applied during the practical session, allowing students to directly observe and experience the implementation of the concepts they had learned.
Following the theoretical session, the activity continued with hands-on aquascape construction at the FPK UNAIR courtyard. Accompanied by members of BSO KAKEMA, the new students worked in groups to arrange various aquascaping elements, beginning with the placement of substrates and hardscape before proceeding to the arrangement of aquatic plants. The activity was conducted interactively, as students were not only guided by the facilitators but also encouraged to discuss and collaborate in determining the arrangement of each element.
The group-based practice also provided an opportunity for new students to develop communication and collaboration with their peers. They learned to divide responsibilities, make decisions, and address challenges that emerged during the aquascape construction process. This experience became part of a broader learning process that not only introduced students to an area of aquaculture but also helped develop interpersonal and collaborative skills that are essential throughout their academic journey.
Connecting Aquascaping with Sustainable Development
The learning approach implemented in this activity contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through innovative and experiential learning. The introduction to aquatic ecosystem arrangement also relates to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by encouraging an early understanding of aquatic ecosystems and organisms. Meanwhile, the consideration of aquatic plants and environmental elements in aquascaping can foster awareness of ecological balance and biodiversity, which is also connected to SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Through the combination of theoretical learning and direct practice, the Aquaculture Study Program provided new students with an engaging first experience in exploring the field of aquaculture. The activity also demonstrated how academic learning can be introduced through collaborative and creative approaches, allowing students to connect scientific concepts with practical experiences from the beginning of their university life.
Writer: Fahmi Bayhaqi
Editor: TPA
