SELAYAR – Strengthening the marine and fisheries sector is seen as a strategic step in safeguarding regional food security, particularly in island regions with large marine resource potential. Beyond raising production, the fisheries sector is also expected to deliver modern, sustainable, and quality-based industry management.
This is a concern of Hasanuddin University Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., who is pushing to transform the regional fisheries sector by strengthening aquaculture systems and management based on quality control. According to Prof. JJ, stronger quality is the key factor in improving the competitiveness of the fisheries sector while sustaining marine resources.
Prof. JJ explained that developing the fisheries sector cannot focus on aquaculture activities alone. Fisheries business operators need to be encouraged to understand industry management as a whole, from the quality of seed, feed, and aquaculture systems to the management of production output.
“It is not only about learning aquaculture, but about how to manage a fisheries industry that is reinforced with quality control,” explained Prof. JJ.
Prof. JJ further assessed that this approach is important so that the regional fisheries sector can respond to food demand and to an increasingly developing industrial competition. Island regions such as Selayar, said Prof. JJ, have great potential to grow if managed through a scientific, innovative, and sustainable approach.
In addition, Prof. JJ also urged the adoption of a modern aquaculture system in managing fish farming. Such a system allows quality monitoring to be carried out in a more measurable and efficient way, so that it can raise productivity while maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
According to Prof. JJ, strengthening the fisheries sector must also go hand in hand with awareness of sustaining marine resources. Prof. JJ stressed the importance of protecting the fish growth cycle and not catching small fish, which could upset the balance of the ecosystem.
The remarks were delivered at a Public Discussion titled “The Role of Fisheries Business Operators in Supporting Regional Food Security,” attended by fishers and fisheries business operators in Selayar.
During the session, participants also raised various challenges they face in developing the marine and fisheries sector, including fish diseases that often affect aquaculture productivity.
The public discussion took place at the Unhas Selayar Campus on Saturday (16 May). Also present were the Regent and Vice Regent, as well as the Head of the Selayar Islands Fisheries Agency. The event served as a space for collaborative dialogue between the university and coastal communities on strengthening the fisheries sector through a scientific approach, innovation, and development based on local potential.
The discussion forum with fishing communities and fisheries business operators was one of the agenda items of the Unhas Rector’s working visit to Selayar, alongside the groundbreaking for the construction of a lecturer and student dormitory for the Unhas Faculty of Vocational Studies, Selayar Campus.
Through the activity, Unhas reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing academic contributions and science-based assistance in support of the development of island regions. (*/mir)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.