Expanding Insights, Marine Technology Study Program IPB University Invites Field Study Students to Lancang Island
Several IPB University postgraduate students from the Marine Technology Study Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) participated in field trip activities on Lancang Island, Thousand Islands. Lancang Island was chosen as the ideal location for this activity because of the richness of its marine ecosystem and the diversity of underwater life.
This activity is a routine part of the practical learning curriculum for Marine Technology Study Program students which is carried out every semester. This field trip aims to deepen understanding of the use of technology, especially for monitoring and mapping the marine environment.
The visit to Lancang Island this time was intended for students taking courses in Marine Remote Sensing, Oceanic Cyber-Physical Systems, Marine Artificial Intelligence, Mapping Accuracy Assessment, Spatial Modeling, Marine Acoustics, and Buoy and Mooring Systems. During this field trip, students are invited to participate in field activities that involve collecting data using technology such as multispectral drones, echosounder (SIMRAD EK 15), GPS, theodolite, etc.
“We hope that this activity will give them the opportunity to integrate theory with practical applications, and inspire them to play an active role in protecting and utilizing marine resources in a sustainable manner,” said Dr Syamsul Bahri Agus, Head of the Department of Marine Science and Technology (ITK) IPB University involved in this field trip.
In this activity, data collection was carried out at two different locations, namely land stations and sea stations. At the marine station, mooring data and underwater photos were collected around the floating net cages. Meanwhile, at the land station, data is collected on land cover and land topography to map and understand the structure and shape of the land surface. This involves measuring elevation, slope and other physical features.
“This field trip is an important part of our field experience-oriented education. We are sure that through this experience, students will be better prepared to face challenges and contribute to the development of marine technology in the future,” said Prof Jonson Lumban Gaol, Head of the Marine Technology Study Program.
He hopes that activities like this will continue to be held in the future to continue to strengthen understanding of the sea. In addition, the data collected in this activity is expected to be a valuable contribution to the preparation of scientific papers that have the potential to be published, as well as a source of data that students can use to complete their final assignment.
“This field trip is a valuable opportunity for participants to gain practical experience and deepen knowledge. Hopefully this activity can spark their interest and students can gain a strong foundation to keep abreast of the latest developments,” said Prof. Vincentius Siregar, one of the IPB University ITK Department lecturers who were also involved in this field trip activity. (RAT/Rz) (IAAS/MFR).
