Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) achieved a proud accomplishment at the international level. A team of students from the Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries won a gold medal in the World Invention Competition and Exhibition (WICE) 2021. The Indonesian Young Scientist Association conducted the event collaborated with SEGi University & Colleges, Malaysia.
The World Invention Competition and Exhibition (WICE) 2021 is an education platform to nurture young inventors who are actively involved in the development of science, invention and innovation, especially in science. The WICE is established to examine the extent of participants’ knowledge, insights, and abilities in applying their scientific knowledge innovatively through innovative work.
The team members are Ahmad Satari Idris (Utilization of Fishery Resources), Mutma’innah Hasan (Utilization of Fishery Resources), Achmad Nabil Al-Ashad (Management of Fishery Resources), and Achmad Dodhy Putrani Wido (Management of Fishery Resources).
In an interview on Saturday (02/10), Ahmad Satari Idris explained that his team proposes the innovation of “Fish Magnet Eye As A Tool For Collecting and Detecting Fish to Increase the Catches”.
The innovation is the modification of several combinations of fishing equipment, including light fishing, Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) with raffia rope attractors and fish finders with the addition of an Arduino, which makes it easier to control the presence of a fish magnet eye.
“We worked on the innovation when we observed a group of fishers in South Sulawesi. Our team and the fishers faced some problems, for example, the difficulty of detecting the presence of fish, which negatively affected the catch,” said Satari
The fishers were equipped with insufficient fishing gears, such as conventional FADs and light fishing with less penetrating power. Therefore, the circumstance inspired Satari and his team to modify an advanced technology by combing traditional fishing equipment.
Furthermore, Satari said that the preparation for the competition was challenging. The team members prepared themself by reading more literature, conducting discussions and regularly training for presentations.
The participation of the Unhas team in the World Invention Competition and Exhibition (WICE) 2021 was to increase the knowledge and experiences of students and enhance and develop students’ potential in their respective studies. Moreover, the event was a valuable opportunity for students to contribute to the maritime of Indonesia and the welfare of Indonesian fishers.
“We hope that the development of the innovation can increase the catch rate. Our contribution to the Indonesian fishers community is expected to improve their warfare and prosperity,” explained Satari.
The vice-dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Ir. Muhammad Farid Samawi, M.Sc., highly appreciate the achievements of his students. He said that the faculty strongly supports all accomplishments from lecturer and student at the local, national, and international levels. Every achievement is something to be proud of, not only for the students as individuals but also for the faculty and Unhas.
“Unhas leaders always give support, motivation, and funding for students and lecturers who represent Unhas in competition or other events, no matter they achieve an award or fail. The support from Unhas is expected to encourage students and lecturers to engage in various activities actively.
Kumara Tungga Dewa, S.S.
Editor: Ishaq Rahman, AMIPR
