Unhas Strengthens Aquatic Ecosystem Health Monitoring through Conservation, Research, and Community Collaboration

Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas), through the Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries (FIKP), continues to strengthen its commitment to aquatic ecosystem health monitoring by combining conservation, research, and community collaboration. In December 2024, FIKP conducted monitoring of marine and terrestrial biota in Pulau Pakal, Pulau Gee, and Tanjung Buli, East Halmahera, near nickel mining operations of PT ANTAM Tbk NMNM and PT Sumberdaya Arindo. The monitoring assessed changes in flora and fauna, covering seagrass, macroalgae, nekton, plankton, benthos, coral reefs, and terrestrial species. According to Prof. Chair Rani, the findings provide valuable references for companies to adopt preventive and corrective measures in mitigating mining impacts.

Complementing this effort, Unhas students from the Student Association of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP) under the Fisheries Student Family (Kemapi) held a Seagrass Expedition to Pulau Bangko-bangkoang, Satando, and Kulambing. The program engaged 88 students in seagrass data collection, ecological analysis, and coastal clean-up  with the local community, reinforcing both scientific capacity and environmental awareness.

Through these integrated initiatives, Unhas demonstrates its holistic role in monitoring ecosystem health while actively engaging industry, researchers, and students in protecting marine and coastal biodiversity.