The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), once again demonstrated its international academic engagement by organizing the International Conference on Fisheries and Marine in collaboration with the International Conference on Biotechnology and Food Sciences. The prestigious two-day event took place on September 3–4, 2025, at Harris Convention Hall, Bali. Around 100 participants from various institutions attended the conference, presenting their research through oral and poster sessions. This event served as a strategic platform for academics, researchers, practitioners, and students to share knowledge, strengthen research collaborations, and discuss the latest scientific developments in fisheries, marine sciences, biotechnology, and food sciences.
As a global scientific forum, the conference featured keynote speakers from five countries—Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These distinguished experts delivered insights into current challenges and opportunities in the fisheries and marine sectors, covering sustainability issues, advances in biotechnology, innovation in marine-based food products, and climate change adaptation strategies for coastal ecosystems. Participants showed great enthusiasm during the keynote sessions, panel discussions, and presentations. Active exchanges took place not only within formal sessions but also in informal gatherings, enriching the cross-disciplinary dialogue and fostering lasting professional connections.
The successful execution of this event was made possible through the close collaboration between UNAIR’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and several partner institutions, both in Bali and beyond. Among the key partners were Udayana University, Warmadewa University, Jembrana Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic, Dyana Pura University, Mahasaraswati University in Bali, and Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (Bintan). This collaboration reflected the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnership for the Goals, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in achieving global sustainability. In his opening remarks, the Dean of UNAIR’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences reaffirmed UNAIR’s commitment to fostering international academic cooperation. “We believe that scientific progress can only be achieved through interdisciplinary and international collaboration. The presence of global experts here shows that marine and fisheries issues are shared global concerns that must be addressed together,” he stated.
Several key issues emerged during the conference, including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management, the application of biotechnology to enhance productivity and food security, and innovations in coastal resource management. Climate change impacts on marine biodiversity also became an important topic of discussion. Through presentations and discussions, participants gained new perspectives that could serve as valuable references for future research, policy formulation, and practical applications in the field of fisheries and marine management. “This forum is not only a venue for sharing research findings but also an opportunity to build broader academic networks. We hope that more international collaborative research will emerge, providing tangible benefits for society and the environment,” said one of the speakers from Japan.
The choice of Bali as the conference venue added a distinctive appeal. Known globally as a tourism destination, Bali’s cultural richness and vibrant marine ecosystems resonated perfectly with the conference theme. The island’s warm and welcoming atmosphere contributed to the event’s success. Participants also had opportunities to engage in social activities and short coastal visits beyond the academic sessions, strengthening interpersonal and professional ties among delegates from different countries.
As the International Conference on Fisheries and Marine in conjunction with the International Conference on Biotechnology and Food Sciences concluded, UNAIR’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences marked another milestone in reinforcing its international academic network. The conference not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also highlighted Indonesia’s role—particularly that of Universitas Airlangga—as a center for scientific advancement in fisheries, marine sciences, biotechnology, and food research. The event also embodied key SDG values, including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Life Below Water (SDG 14). The success of this Bali conference is expected to serve as a strong foundation for future international collaborations that contribute to sustainable marine and food resource development worldwide.
