On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Student Association of Fisheries Product Technology (HIMATEKHIKAN) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Airlangga, mobilised its Social Community Division to host the “Sea Action” event at the coast of Kalanganyar Kulon Village, Sedati Sub-district, Sidoarjo Regency — a dedicated effort to safeguard coastal and aquaculture ecosystems, driven by student social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
From the early hours of Saturday, the members of the Student Association of Fisheries Product Technology (HIMATEKHIKAN) gathered at the shores of Kalanganyar Kulon Village, located in Sedati Sub-district, Sidoarjo Regency, to carry out their “Sea Action” programme under the auspices of the Social Community Division. The primary venue was the edge of a local shrimp pond (tambak), where students committed to hands-on activities aimed at promoting aquatic sustainability and serving the community.
All HIMATEKHIKAN members participated actively, recognising both the moral and academic responsibility inherent in their role as future fisheries professionals. Their activities included collecting inorganic and organic waste from the pond’s embankment and planting mangrove seedlings along the pond perimeter. These tasks reflect the organisation’s dedication to environmental care, specifically in relation to coastal aquaculture ecosystems.
The impetus for the event lay in raising collective awareness of the critical importance of preserving coastal and pond-based environments, while reinforcing social values among students. By removing waste and establishing vegetative buffers, the students addressed key aspects of environmental protection and habitat restoration within a real-world community setting.
Moreover, the “Sea Action” event directly supported achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 – Life Below Water, which emphasises the conservation and sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources. By cleaning pond environments and planting mangroves, the initiative contributed to reducing marine pollution, safeguarding coastal biodiversity, and restoring natural habitats that serve as spawning and nursery grounds for aquatic life. Educational segments delivered during the event also instilled long-term awareness of sustainable aquaculture practices and responsible exploitation of water resources.
Beyond the environmental dimension, the activity strengthened collaboration among HIMATEKHIKAN members, fostering team work, leadership, and communication skills that are essential for the professional development of students in fisheries and marine science.
Looking ahead, HIMATEKHIKAN reaffirmed its commitment to remain active on environmental and social issues, urging students to become agents of change who excel not only academically but also in caring for the environment and society. The “Sea Action” event stands as proof that a simple collective effort can have a tangible impact on the conservation of coastal resources while shaping student character to be adaptive in the face of global challenges such as climate change and marine ecosystem degradation. The association aspires to hold similar programmes regularly and extend their reach, thereby continually contributing to the SDGs—especially within the sustainable marine and fisheries sectors.
