Fisheries Department of UGM Faculty of Agriculture continues to increase its contributions to regional and national fisheries development.
This was stated by the Head of Department, Dr. Ir. Murwantoko, M.Si, at the celebration peak of the 55th Anniversary of Fisheries UGM, Friday evening (8/31).
Murwantoko added further that Fisheries UGM also strives to expand its national and international networks, as well as actively participates in the ASEAN fisheries and marine studies college association regionally and nationally.
On the same occasion, an award night was also held for a retired lecturer, Ir. Supardjo, SD, SU. For approximately 38 years, Supardjo has greatly contributed to the development of capture fisheries, empowerment of coastal communities and fishermen as well as development of transmigration areas for fisheries or agriculture.
Chairperson of the anniversary celebration, Dr. Nurfitri Ekantari, S.PI., M.P., explained the Department of Fisheries was established on September 1, 1963. It offers three undergraduate study programs, which are Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources Management, and Fish Processing Technology.
Various events have been successfully held in the commemoration of the 55th Anniversary. Some of them are blood donation event, community service, competitions, and gathering night as the highlight.
Meanwhile, Dr. Eko Setyobudi, S.Pi., M.Si., Secretary of the Department, stated there were three activities related to community service, namely building mangrove educational gazebo, dam cleanup, and fish stocking.
The construction of educational gazebo was done with Baros Youth Community of Tirtohargo Village as a strategy to expand knowledge of mangrove conservation and observe the potential of aquaculture and fisheries in Baros mangrove area.
Meanwhile, dam cleanup event and fish stocking were carried out at Embung Langensari Yogyakarta and Danau Bijak of Wisdom Park Universitas Gadjah Mada. The fish included various species that occupy different positions in the food chain, so they can optimally support the dam ecosystem sustainability. This activity involved at least 100 participants consisting of students, academic staff, and lecturers of the department.
“All of these activities intended to familiarize and increase community awareness on the importance of conserving and sustaining aquatic ecosystem,” he concluded.