The Marine Science Study Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya (FPIK UB) class of 2024 carried out a Tropical Marine Ecology Practicum activity on the coast of Kondang Merak, Malang Regency, Sunday (04/13/2025). This activity is part of the basic learning of sustainable marine resource management, as well as to introduce scientific methods for observing coastal ecosystems to new students.
The lecturer in charge of the course, Dhira Khurniawan Saputra, S.Kel., M.Sc., explained that this practicum aims to equip students with knowledge and field skills from the beginning of their studies.
“We want students to understand standard methods in coastal ecosystem monitoring which will be needed in research, conservation, and marine resource management,” said Dhira.
The location of the practicum is centered in the Kondang Merak area, which is one of the bay areas on the southern coast of Malang with a marine ecosystem that is still quite good and productive. In addition to being a fishing location for local fishermen, this area has also been used for the past few years as a practicum location so that the data produced can be part of a long-term monitoring system.
Amelia Rahma Tsabita Sari, as the practicum assistant, added that the main focus of the activity is on tropical marine ecosystems, including mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef ecosystems. Students are not only introduced to the characteristics of these ecosystems, but are also trained in data collection methods, monitoring work schemes, and aspects of field work safety (K3).
“Each ecosystem has a different approach. Students must learn to use tools such as line transects, quadrats, to measuring environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, and water clarity,” explained Amelia.
Practical activities are divided into three main stages. First, pre-field which includes introduction of materials and simulation of tool usage. Second, field sessions that focus on collecting data directly at ecosystem locations. Third, post-field which includes data processing and analysis as well as reporting results.
Through this activity, students are expected to be able to understand the actual conditions of tropical marine ecosystems and master monitoring techniques that comply with scientific standards. This experience is also projected to make it easier for students when conducting final assignment research or contributing to ecosystem conservation and restoration activities in the future. [RIB/MIT/ UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
