FIKP UNHAS Supports the Development of the Smart Fisheries Village Program in South Sulawesi through Aquaculture Technology Innovation

October 1, 2024, Makassar –The workshop "Technology Transfer for Premium Tilapia Seed Production Using Molecular Marker Innovation and Independent Feed Formulation with Supplements" was hosted by the Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries (FIKP), Unhas. This project aims to assist the Smart Fisheries Village Program in South Sulawesi, which is centered on creating Premium tilapia farming and self-sufficient feed.

The four-day workshop was held in the Fuad Cholik BRPBAPPP Maros Hall and was attended by various stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Deputy Dean III FIKP Unhas, Prof. Ahmad Faisal, officially opened the activity and expressed appreciation for this initiative. According to Faisal, collaboration between academics, government, and industry players is very important to ensure the success of the Smart Fisheries Village program, which aims to improve the welfare of fishing communities in South Sulawesi.

In his capacity as Chief Executive, Prof. Budimawan, DEA stressed the value of innovation in bolstering the accomplishment of food security initiatives by supplying local protein demands. The two primary breakthroughs discussed in this session are sex reversal and selective breeding. It is envisaged that improved tilapia fish seeds with faster growth and more disease resistance can be obtained through selective breeding. The goal of sex reversal technology is to create all male tilapia fish, as they are known to grow faster and larger than female fish.

Aside from that, the creation of independent feed from regional raw materials is another significant breakthrough. It is envisaged that by lowering production costs reducing reliance on commercial feed, this feed will enable fish farmers to manage their cultivation operations with greater independence.

This activity is a part of the Kedaireka program, an inventive endeavor that fosters industry-academia partnerships to promote the advancement of technology useful to society. Prof. Budimawan, DEA., a lecturer at FIKP UNHAS, is the leader of this activity. Comprising Professor Alimuddin, S.Pi, M.Sc. (Lecturer of IPB University), Professor Dr. Siti Aslamyah, MP., Dr. Sitti Fakhriyyah, S.Pi, M.Si., Dr. Irmawati, S.Pi, M.Si., and Andi Haerul, S.Kel, M.Si. (Lecturer at FIKP UNHAS), Dr. Kamaruddin, S.Pi, M.Si. (BRIN researcher), along with Dr. A. Indra Jaya Asaad, S.Pi, M.Sc. (Head of the Research Center for Brackish Water Aquaculture Fisheries and Fisheries Outreach (BRPBAPPP), Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries).

This activity ended on 4th October, 2024. The last set of activities included training and mentorship in independent feed production, male monosex seed production, and selective breeding. It is anticipated that this program will boost tilapia output and help South Sulawesi's Mina Padi Program meet the region's demands for protein.