Hasanuddin University’s Community Outreach on Overfishing and Sustainable Fishing Practices

Hasanuddin University offers free outreach to raise awareness about overfishing, illegal and unreported fishing, and destructive practices. The programmes blend science, ethics, and simple technologies that help coastal communities keep catches sustainable, protect nursery grounds, and comply with fishing rules. All activities are provided at no cost as part of Unhas community service.

A faculty team introduced an underwater LED light attractor for lift net fishers in Pinrang. The training explained proper installation, site selection, and operating procedures so fishers shift from inefficient surface lamps to energy saving systems. The session also discussed responsible effort, size selectivity, and how better efficiency can reduce the pressures that lead to overfishing. Attendees included 64 local fishers and village leaders. The team shared evidence that LED systems can increase anchovy catch weight while reducing fuel use for generators. Lower fuel consumption and clearer guidance on when and where to fish help crews avoid risky night operations and unnecessary trips that encourage rule breaking. The practical message is simple. Catch more with less fuel and within the law.

Outreach also covered the ethics of gear placement and the protection of spawning and juvenile habitats. Instructors explained how light-assisted fishing should not be used in restricted zones and how community rules can prevent harmful crowding around artificial aggregating devices. Fishers were encouraged to keep basic logbooks and to report suspicious activity that suggests unreported or illegal fishing. 

Under the theme of blue economy for coastal communities, Unhas hosted a public event on Barrang Lompo Island. Sessions introduced seaweed processing for added-value alongside demonstrations of efficient and environmentally friendly fishing gear. This combination showed that income can grow without resorting to banned methods such as explosives, poisons, or compressor based diving. The Barrang Lompo event brought residents, educators, and alumni together to discuss fair access to resources and shared responsibility for reef areas. Facilitators linked simple monitoring tasks with everyday fishing routines, so communities can track trends, spot destructive practices early, and work with local authorities when needed. All sessions and materials were free to participants. 

Across both sites, the curriculum centered on three ideas. Use selective and efficient gear, follow seasonal and spatial rules, and keep basic records that make reporting easier. Instructors translated these ideas into checklists and demonstrations so crews can improve practices on their next trips, not in a classroom. The outreach emphasises that legal compliance protects community livelihoods. Presenters clarified the difference between licensed and unlicensed gear, the meaning of restricted areas, and the risks of landing catches without records. Participants practiced scenario-based discussions on what to do when they observe possible violations, including safe steps to document and report incidents. 

Unhas also connects fisheries practices with health and education services so families can attend training events without extra costs. The Barrang Lompo event even included free dental checks alongside technology demonstrations, which increased turnout and helped reach more households with messages against destructive fishing. These free programmes will continue to rotate through districts with follow-up mentoring. As crews adopt energy saving lights, respect closures, and record their fishing effort and catches, communities gain better data, safer fishing, and more stable stocks. The result is stronger compliance, less destructive activity, and a clearer path to sustainable catches that support local economies and SDG 14. 

14.2.3 Overfishing (community outreach)