IPB University’s ISOSS International Seminar in Ambon Emphasises the Importance of Ocean Sustainability

Ambon City hosted “The 2nd International Seminar on Ocean Science and Sustainability (ISOSS)” organised by the Department of Marine Science and Technology (ITK), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) IPB University (4-5/11). The event successfully attracted 150 offline participants and 100 online participants, bringing together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in discussing marine issues.

In collaboration with Pattimura University (Unpatti) as co-host and sponsored by GEF-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia, the seminar was opened by the Governor of Maluku, represented by the Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Maluku Province. 

On this occasion, the Dean of FPIK IPB University, Prof Fredinan Yulianda delivered a report as the committee representative, highlighting cross-institutional collaboration as the key to a successful event. 

Dr Heike Lingertat as Lead Specialist GEF Agency WWF also delivered her remarks. Dr Heike highly appreciated IPB University and Unpatti for working together to organise an international marine seminar as part of GEF-6 activities centred in eastern Indonesia.

Remarks from the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria and the Rector of Unpatti, Prof Fredy Leiwakabessy also started the event with the theme “Navigating the Blue Frontier: Measured Fishing and Ocean Science in Harmony.”

‘This theme underscores the importance of a balanced approach between the wise use of fisheries resources and ocean science,’ said Dr Alan F Koropitan, Chief of the Marine and Fisheries Education Centre, who was the keynote speaker representing the Minister of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF). 

The seminar was also attended by representatives of various agencies such as the Ambon City Government, the Maluku Provincial Marine Fisheries Office (DKP), the Maluku Provincial Bappeda, the Ambon Fisheries Training and Extension Centre (BPPP), the Ambon Perikanan Nusantara Port (PPN), the Maluku Fisheries Polytechnic, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

The presence of a number of agencies shows a joint commitment in pursuing sustainable marine resource management. In addition to organising the seminar, this event also became a forum for disseminating the results of the marine and fisheries expedition activities of FPIK IPB University students conducted on Buru Island, Maluku in September-October 2024.

Dr Steven Solikin as the chief executive of this seminar expects cross-sector collaboration to strengthen strategies for sustainable marine and fisheries development and management. “We also hope that this seminar can be a catalyst for the realisation of policies and innovations that support the sustainability of fisheries and marine in Indonesia,” Dr Steven concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RSL)