The Department of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) IPB University held an International Seminar on Demersal and Crustacean Fisheries Management 2023 which was held in a hybrid manner at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Bogor. The international seminar was attended by participants from various countries such as China, Japan, Germany, Sudan, Australia to the United States.

Dr. M. Mukhlis Kamal as the chief executive of the seminar explained that this activity aims to make the management of demersal and crustacean resources more focused and follow sustainable principles.

“I hope that this activity will result in a formulation of how demersal and crustacean fisheries should be managed, more compliant with the principles of sustainability by considering their environmental impact,” said Dr Mukhlis.

Prof Arif Satria, Rector of IPB University explained that this seminar was part of the International Seminar on Aquatic Resources Management (ISARM) which has been routinely held by the MSP Department since 2019.

“As a higher education institution that prioritizes agro-maritime 4.0, IPB University always supports all efforts to manage maritime resources in a sustainable manner. Sustainability of demersal and crustacean resources must be seen comprehensively from fishing operations, habitat quality, resource resilience, profits, and prosperous business continuity through appropriate policies,” he explained.

He believes this seminar will overcome various challenges and encourage the existence of a forum for researchers/experts, students, and practitioners in the management of demersal and crustacean fisheries. Thus, the output of this activity can contribute knowledge and solutions to marine and fisheries stakeholders and support the government in realizing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Ir. Nilanto Prabowo appreciated the efforts of holding a collaborative seminar of IPB University with the Indonesian Demersal Fisheries Association.

“This is an excellent example, especially to support and strengthen the management base of demersal fisheries in the future. In this case, the government cannot work alone. On behalf of the KKP, I wish to continue this kind of collaboration,” he said.

Professor of FPIK IPB University, Prof. Luky Adrianto, who was also present, explained that demersals and crustaceans are very complex fisheries. This means, he said, fisheries are not only about aquatic ecosystems and the fish in them but must be connected to social systems that utilize fish resources themselves.

“With this forum, at least science to policy is the hope that must be achieved. And the hope is not only science to science and science policy but also science to business. Therefore, this forum can achieve the three pillars,” he explained.

Sources: IPB News