The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine at Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR) continues to strengthen the quality of its academic learning through the organization of an international guest lecture held on April 13, 2026. The session featured a distinguished academic from Universiti Putera Malaysia, Prof. Dr. Murni Karim, who delivered an in-depth discussion on fish disease management in aquaculture. This topic represents a critical aspect of maintaining productivity and sustainability within modern fisheries systems, especially amid increasing environmental and operational challenges.
The guest lecture was conducted within the FPK UNAIR academic environment and attended by sixth- and eighth-semester students from the Aquaculture Study Program. The activity reflects the faculty’s commitment to delivering not only theoretical knowledge but also practical and globally informed perspectives. By engaging directly with an international expert, students were exposed to real-world insights into the complexities of fish health management and the importance of scientific approaches in addressing emerging aquaculture challenges.
In her presentation, Prof. Dr. Murni Karim highlighted the growing challenges in fish disease management, including intensified aquaculture practices, environmental fluctuations, and the emergence of new pathogens that threaten production sustainability. She emphasized that effective fish health management requires an integrated approach, encompassing prevention, early detection, and proper treatment strategies grounded in scientific principles. This comprehensive framework is essential to ensure both productivity and environmental balance in aquaculture systems.
A key focus of the lecture was the importance of preventive approaches in controlling fish diseases. Prof. Dr. Murni Karim stressed that good aquaculture practices, proper water quality management, and the use of high-quality seed stock are fundamental in minimizing disease risks. Additionally, the integration of modern technologies for health monitoring has become increasingly relevant in enhancing efficiency and early response to potential outbreaks. These preventive strategies are crucial in reducing economic losses and ensuring long-term sustainability in aquaculture production.
The session also explored the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with field practices. Students were encouraged to understand that aquaculture success is not solely determined by production output but also by the ability to maintain ecological balance within farming systems. The interactive nature of the lecture fostered active engagement, with students enthusiastically participating in discussions and raising questions related to real-world cases. This created a dynamic learning environment that promoted critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The primary objective of this activity was to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of fish disease management as a key competency in aquaculture. By participating in this guest lecture, students are expected to apply the knowledge gained in professional settings or future research endeavors. The experience also contributes to the development of essential soft skills, including analytical thinking, scientific communication, and adaptability to technological advancements.
Beyond academic enrichment, the presence of an international speaker provided opportunities for students to expand their academic networks and gain insights into global standards in aquaculture practices. This exposure is particularly valuable in preparing graduates to compete in an increasingly globalized workforce and to contribute effectively to the fisheries sector at both national and international levels.
This initiative aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the enhancement of learning quality via international collaboration. It also supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by strengthening knowledge related to sustainable aquatic resource management, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through cross-border academic partnerships. These alignments reinforce the role of higher education in addressing global sustainability challenges.
Through this international guest lecture, FPK UNAIR reaffirms its commitment to producing graduates who are competent, adaptive, and ready to face global challenges. Students are expected to become agents of change who not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable aquaculture practices in the future.
Writer : FBM
Editor : TPA
