Strengthening its commitment to sustainable fisheries research and innovation, Dr. Eng. Sapto Andriyono, S.Pi., M.T., a researcher and lecturer from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), was among the distinguished speakers at the prestigious 11th International Conference of Aquaculture Indonesia (ICAI) 2025. Organized by the Indonesian Aquaculture Society (MAI), the conference took place on October 29–30, 2025, at the Wyndham Hotel, Surabaya, under the theme “Resilient and Sustainable Aquaculture: Advancing Innovation for Food Security and Blue Economy.” The event gathered experts, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers to exchange insights on the latest innovations shaping the future of aquaculture and marine sustainability.
In his presentation titled “Application of eDNA Metabarcoding to Support Sustainable Aquaculture in Indonesia,” Dr. Sapto emphasized the potential of Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology as a scientific breakthrough for promoting environmentally friendly and efficient aquaculture systems. The eDNA method enables researchers to detect and monitor aquatic biodiversity without physically capturing organisms, providing an ethical and non-invasive way to study aquatic environments. Through this approach, eDNA serves as a crucial tool for understanding ecosystem dynamics and predicting potential disruptions to the biological balance in aquaculture settings.
According to Dr. Sapto, implementing eDNA-based monitoring can help fish farmers and aquaculture managers maintain real-time surveillance of water quality and ecosystem health. “This technology offers a fast and accurate way to identify microorganisms, fish species, or invasive organisms that may threaten aquaculture productivity. It represents an important innovation for Indonesia as a maritime nation with tremendous fisheries potential,” he explained. His research underscores how digital and molecular innovations can empower local aquaculture practitioners with actionable data, thereby enhancing sustainability, productivity, and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Moreover, Dr. Sapto highlighted that this research aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water. By employing eDNA-based science, aquaculture practices can be conducted without harming marine ecosystems, while preserving biodiversity and supporting long-term ocean health. “Scientific innovations such as eDNA provide concrete steps toward conserving marine resources and simultaneously strengthening national food security,” he added. His work reflects UNAIR’s continuous dedication to applying scientific discoveries for real-world impact, bridging research with community well-being and ecological stewardship.
The ICAI 2025 conference served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, featuring discussions on global challenges in food security and the blue economy. The event also emphasized the importance of balancing productivity with environmental conservation — a principle that resonates strongly with UNAIR’s mission to advance sustainable science. Through its active participation, the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science reaffirmed its position as a national leader in tropical aquaculture research and marine conservation. “We hope that these research initiatives will not remain confined to laboratories but will directly contribute to improving the livelihoods of coastal communities and protecting our oceans for future generations,” concluded Dr. Sapto.
Through its engagement in ICAI 2025, Universitas Airlangga once again demonstrated its role as a center of excellence in tropical fisheries research and marine conservation, contributing meaningfully to global efforts in safeguarding underwater life and strengthening sustainable aquaculture systems.
