Collaborative Marine Ranching Efforts between Indonesia and China for Sustainable Oceanic Ecosystem
The Rector of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa, officially opened the Seminar on Marine Ranching Construction: Sino-Indonesian Technical Cooperation on Offshore Marine Eco-Ranching at Unhas Hotel & Convention, Tamalanrea, Makassar, on Monday, October 28, 2024. This seminar is a collaborative initiative between Unhas’ Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, and Guangdong Ocean University. The event aims to explore the development of marine ranching and sustainable ocean management, featuring experts from both countries.
The seminar ran from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Makassar time, with keynote speakers including Prof. Xuefeng Wang from Guangdong Ocean University, Prof. Shuo Zhang from Shanghai Ocean University, Dr. Syafyudin Yusuf from Unhas, and Dr. Suryadi Saputra from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). They discussed topics such as the progress of marine ranching in China, innovations in fishery resource management, and artificial reef planning in Indonesia.
Prof. JJ, as the Rector is affectionately known, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. Since 2022, this collaborative project has aimed to design and implement measures to restore marine ecosystems, including the installation of artificial reefs as part of a short-term ecosystem recovery effort. He also highlighted the role of education through student exchange visits between the two countries, which helps strengthen international bonds and understanding. “This partnership seeks to improve the welfare of coastal communities, especially fishermen who rely on marine resources. We must ensure that our oceans remain productive and healthy for the sustainable economic welfare of coastal communities,” he said. He further noted that the current productivity of the ocean is far below its maximum potential, producing only 2-5 metric tons per hectare per year, although it has the potential to reach up to 25 metric tons.
As part of recovery efforts, participatory surveys and research have been conducted to identify marine ecosystem issues and create tangible solutions. Through rehabilitation efforts such as coral reef restoration, ocean productivity is expected to recover, positively impacting fishermen’s income and seafood supply. He expressed hope that this collaboration will continue, not only in ecosystem restoration but also in enhancing the economic and social welfare of coastal communities. “We share the same planet, so it is essential for us all to protect it for a better future,” he concluded.
