FIKP UNHAS and Chinese Partners Launch Artificial Reef Project on National Ecology Day of China

Makassar, August 15, 2024 – The Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries (FIKP) UNHAS has launched the Marine Ranching Demonstration Project today, an international collaboration with Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) and Guangdong Ocean University (GOU). The launch event took place in the meeting rooms of the respective countries, connected via online networks, and was attended by various stakeholders from Indonesia and China. This project marks a significant milestone in strengthening cross-national collaboration for marine environmental rehabilitation.

The Dean of FIKP Unhas, Prof. Safruddin, S.Pi, MP, Ph.D., opened the event with a warm welcome. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Ecology Day with SHOU and GOU. Prof. Safruddin highlighted the positive impacts of this collaboration, including training, scholarships, and summer school activities, and announced a joint research plan to be conducted on two islands in Makassar as part of the marine environmental rehabilitation project.

During the session, Dr. Syafyudin Yusuf, ST., M.Si, explained the importance of artificial reefs in addressing the pressures faced by marine ecosystems in Indonesia and China. Artificial reefs, as human-made innovations, are designed to replace the functions of increasingly vulnerable coral reefs. The project includes the construction of structures such as cubes and pyramid modules in both Chinese and Indonesian waters to repair ecosystem damage, provide fish habitats, and support economic sustainability.

Syafyudin elaborated on the differences between artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices (FADs). Artificial reefs feature robust constructions on the seabed and serve as complex habitats, whereas FADs, designed to facilitate fish capture, are lightweight and float near the surface. The project also involves the use of bamboo fish habitats, expected to enhance juvenile fish recruitment and be managed by local communities.

With the deployment of 150 pyramid modules and two open cube cage models at both locations, the project aims to deliver significant ecological benefits and support local economies through innovative marine conservation and recreational methods.