Nine students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), participated in the international e-START program organized by the Hiroshima University International Education Program from March 4 to 31, 2026. Carrying the theme Sustainable Use of Marine Fishery Resources: Studies through Oceanographic Observation, the program provided an interactive and collaborative cross-country learning experience that brought together students and academics from various parts of the world.
The participating students came from the Aquaculture Study Program, namely Farrel Bhanu Mahardhika, Muhammad Rizkia Eirmanto, Vanessa Syalomitha Shareefa, Moch Birr Bik Maylandry, Prasasti Briliandini, Calila Fausta Artimivira S., and Nandiny Auliya Rahmah. In addition, two students from the Fisheries Product Technology Study Program, Shakira Desifa Arditya and Luhur Gadis Fil Fadhlillah, also joined the program. Throughout the program, participants engaged in a series of international lectures, collaborative discussions, and practical-based learning sessions designed to enhance their understanding of sustainable marine resource management.
One of the highlighted sessions was delivered by Dr. Gustavo Sanchez from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, focusing on environmental DNA (eDNA) and its application in cephalopods resource management. Despite being conducted online, participants experienced a practical learning atmosphere through a live demonstration from the research vessel Toyoshio Maru owned by Hiroshima University, Japan. This session provided a unique opportunity for students to observe real-time sampling techniques used in marine research.
In his presentation, Dr. Gustavo introduced environmental DNA (eDNA) as a molecular approach that enables researchers to detect marine organisms through genetic traces found in the environment. These traces can originate from mucus, skin debris, and metabolic waste dispersed in the water, allowing species identification without direct capture. This innovative method highlights the advancement of non-invasive techniques in marine biodiversity monitoring and resource management.
The learning experience became even more immersive as participants observed a live demonstration from Hiroshima Bay. Students followed the process of seawater sampling using a Niskin Bottle, followed by filtration using an enclosed membrane system such as Sterivex filters. Through this process, participants gained insight into how a simple seawater sample can be transformed into scientific data representing marine life and ecosystem conditions.
Furthermore, Dr. Gustavo explained that eDNA analysis involves several stages, including filtration, DNA extraction, and amplification using specific primers. This method not only detects species present in very small quantities but also reveals cryptic diversity, which refers to biodiversity that is not easily identified through morphological observation. In other words, a single water sample can provide comprehensive information about the biodiversity within an ecosystem.
This topic is particularly relevant in the context of cephalopods such as squid and octopus, which hold significant ecological and economic value. Amid challenges such as overfishing and climate change, eDNA offers a more efficient, non-destructive, and data-driven approach to monitoring marine resources and supporting sustainable fisheries management.
Through this experience, participants gained a deeper understanding that the ocean is not merely a resource to be exploited but also a complex system containing valuable scientific information. The eDNA approach enables efficient, non-destructive monitoring of marine ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of science-based conservation strategies.
The program also served as a platform for international collaboration, bringing together students and academics from Malaysia, Indonesia, Peru, Taiwan, and Japan. The involvement of Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universitas Airlangga, National University of San Marcos, National Taiwan Ocean University, Shizuoka University, and Hiroshima University enriched participants’ perspectives and opened opportunities for future global partnerships in addressing marine and fisheries challenges.
Participation in the e-START 2026 program reflects FPK UNAIR’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through access to international learning, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through strengthening sustainable marine resource management capacity, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through increased awareness of climate impacts on marine ecosystems, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through global academic collaboration.
Through this program, students not only gained new knowledge and skills but also strengthened their role as future leaders who are ready to contribute to the sustainability of marine resources. FPK UNAIR hopes that participation in international programs like e-START 2026 will continue to encourage students to innovate, collaborate, and actively contribute to the development of the fisheries and marine sector at the global level.
Focus keyphrase: e-START program; sustainable fisheries education; FPK UNAIR students; marine resource management
Writer : Shakira Desifa Arditya
Editor : ALN, FBM and TPA
