Stepping into campus life and diving deeper into marine exploration, students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK Unair), proudly participated in the e-START Course on Sustainable Use of Marine Fishery Resources 2025. The international program, organized by Hiroshima University, Japan, took place from February 28 to March 21, 2025. This month-long academic collaboration brought together students from five countries—Indonesia, Japan, Peru, Vietnam, and Taiwan—to learn, interact, and exchange ideas on sustainable marine resource management under the theme Studies through Oceanographic Observation. The program served as a bridge for global scientific exchange, fostering not only knowledge sharing but also friendship among young scholars passionate about the ocean.
The e-START 2025 program was structured into five key sessions: the Introduction (February 28), Lecturer Materials (February 28–March 20), Practical Training (March 7), Discussion Sessions (March 11–20), and the Final Presentation (March 21). During the Introduction session, participants gathered virtually to meet lecturers and fellow students from five countries. The participants included 10 students from Universitas Airlangga representing Indonesia—among them were Aditya Jayawardhana Ramadhani, Taura Lingga Darmawan, Alodia Patricia Rismauli, Erviena Andika Damayanti, Nasywa Athallah Gunawan, Elga Ryan Cantika Zelighaubert Surya Balo, and Rehan Fitrianto. Other institutions included Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Peru, 10 students), Can Tho University (Vietnam, 6 students), National Taiwan Ocean University (Taiwan, 12 students), and Hiroshima University (Japan, 7 students). The warm introductions marked the start of meaningful international collaboration and friendship across borders.
The learning process continued with lectures delivered by seven facilitators from diverse academic backgrounds. Each lecturer provided materials through pre-recorded sessions on YouTube, covering topics related to marine sustainability and oceanographic observation. One of the distinguished lecturers representing Indonesia was Dr. Ayu Lana Nafisyah, S.Pi., M.Sc., Ph.D., from Universitas Airlangga. Students were encouraged to explore the provided materials throughout the month, fostering independent learning and critical thinking. On March 7, the Practical Training session introduced participants to three advanced marine technologies that are revolutionizing research and sustainable fisheries practices. This session provided valuable insights into how technology supports data collection, ocean monitoring, and fisheries management—offering students a glimpse of modern tools used globally in the marine sector.
Between March 11 and 20, students engaged in team-based Discussion Sessions. Divided into several groups, each team collaborated to formulate a presentation topic centered on sustainable fishery resources. The discussions were mentored by the seven lecturers, who guided participants in refining ideas and preparing their presentations. Every student actively contributed ideas, leading to a healthy exchange of perspectives. The group leaders coordinated the division of presentation tasks, ensuring each member played an important role in delivering the team’s final output. These sessions not only strengthened students’ communication and teamwork skills but also emphasized the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
The program culminated with the Final Presentation on March 21, 2025, where all teams showcased their findings and proposals. Eight teams presented their research-based insights before lecturers and fellow participants, followed by an interactive Q&A and voting session to determine the best presentation team. Through this event, students demonstrated their analytical and scientific abilities, showcasing innovative approaches to sustainable marine resource management. The diversity of ideas presented reflected each country’s unique perspective on marine science and sustainability.
By the end of the e-START 2025 program, participants gained invaluable knowledge about sustainable fisheries and marine resource management. They learned about global methods and technologies that are not yet widely implemented in Indonesia, broadening their academic and practical horizons. The program also reinforced the students’ commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible consumption, climate action, and life below water. For the students of FPK Unair—affectionately referred to as the Pirates of FPK—this journey marked more than just an academic experience; it was a voyage of discovery, collaboration, and a step forward toward shaping a sustainable marine future.
