
The concept of the blue economy is positioned as the future of the global economic model. It offers a comprehensive approach to utilizing aquatic resources for economic growth, improving community welfare, and preserving marine ecosystems.
The blue economy approach is not merely about resource exploitation but also sustainable management and development for present and future generations.
To strengthen the sustainable fisheries sector, researchers and experts at UGM are encouraging governments and global leaders to adopt blue economy policies.
This call was highlighted at the opening of the 6th International Symposium on Marine and Fisheries Research (ISMFR), organized by the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, on Wednesday (Jul. 15) at the Grand Rohan Hotel, Yogyakarta.
Dean of the UGM Faculty of Agriculture (Agriculture UGM), Dr. Jaka Widada, emphasized the importance of integrating three main pillars in sustainable fisheries development: the blue economy, blue financing, and blue justice.
These components, he stressed, are fundamental and must be understood and implemented in a balanced manner.
The blue economy drives economic growth in the marine sector, and blue finance provides funding support for innovation and conservation. In contrast, blue justice ensures that coastal communities are not marginalized in the development process.
He added that this approach aligns with the principles of sustainability and inclusivity. Through this symposium, UGM reaffirms its commitment to equitable, innovative, and resilient coastal development.
“We cannot talk about sustainability without justice. The principle of ‘no one left behind’ must truly be upheld,” the dean continued.
Dr. Anes Dwi Jayanti, a lecturer at UGM Fisheries and chair of the symposium committee, emphasized the importance of researchers, academics, practitioners, and policymakers sharing knowledge and fostering global cooperation to support a sustainable and equitable ocean economy.
“We aim to create a collaborative discussion space, strengthen global networks, and foster international cooperation to address challenges in the fisheries and marine sectors,” said Dr. Jayanti.
She explained that this year’s symposium successfully attracted more than 200 participants from various national and international institutions. A total of 139 scientific papers were presented, discussing a wide range of strategic topics in fisheries and marine science.
The event also featured a special workshop led by Dr. Sven Kreutel, CEO of Particle Metrix GmbH, Germany, who presented the latest technology in marine instrumentation.
The keynote speakers at the 6th ISMFR included Dr. Riza Yuliratno Setiawan (UGM, Indonesia), Dr. Mubariq Ahmad (IPB University, Indonesia), Dr. Tharangani Herath (Harper Adams University, United Kingdom), Professor Sang-gil Lee (Pukyong National University, South Korea), and Professor Catriona MacLeod (University of Tasmania, Australia).
The symposium also featured a nanoparticle workshop delivered by Dr. Kreutel, the CEO of Particle Metrix GmbH.
The speakers addressed various strategic issues, including the sustainability of capture fisheries and aquaculture, innovative financing schemes for marine conservation (known as blue financing), and the future of sustainable seafood (also referred to as blue food futures).
Through this event, UGM, via its Department of Fisheries, hopes to enhance research capacity, foster international collaboration, and strengthen its commitment to fair, inclusive, and sustainable marine resource management.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Anisa Nurliana
Photographs: Firsto and Agriculture UGM