The Vice-Dean opened the public lecture I of the UTU Faculty of Fisheries and Fisheries Science, Dr. Muhammad Rizal S.Pi, M.Si, followed by students, lecturers at FPIK UTU, the Environmental Care Movement Institute/GPL Aceh Barat and representatives from PT. MIFA Brothers. This activity is synergized with the Journey 6 Aquatic Resources field activity and the science of sustainable mangrove management and strengthening the relationship. The public lecture took place in the UTU Old Building Hall, Wednesday (18/5/2022).

In his presentation, Onrizal, PhD, said that the mangrove ecosystem is very important in maintaining the diversity of species and populations of aquatic biota, because mangroves are the basis of the food chain in coastal waters. About 2/3 of aquatic biota is only present in good mangroves and not found in damaged mangroves. For example, almost all shrimp caught in the Malacca Strait are highly dependent on mangroves.

He also presented 5 recommendations for sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems; namely 1) maintaining good mangroves as a top priority - zero degradation and deforestation, 2) restoring damaged mangroves in an integrative way, 3) developing techniques and management of productive and sustainable mangrove ponds in mangrove areas that already have ponds, 4) conducting various studies ranging from basic research, applied research to development research, and 5) increasing the promotion of sustainable mangrove use.

The day after, Thursday (19/5/2022), Onrizal, Ph.D, was appointed to guide the SDA Journey Goes to Mangrove Ecosystem, which aims to improve students' scientific abilities in mangrove vegetation analysis the basis for managing mangrove ecosystems. Vegetation analysis activities are integrated with the data analysis process resulting from the field data carried out. This vegetation analysis process was accompanied by a lecturer from SDA FPIK UTU with a focus on competence in mangrove management.

The activity was carried out in the mangrove ecosystem of Meurebo, Meulaboh and continued in the GKT UTU lecture hall. Mangrove analysis activities include determining stations and plots, collecting growth rate data, and identifying species. Vegetation analysis results (Anveg) show that the mangrove ecosystem of Meurebo, Meulaboh, is composed of Acrostichum aureum, Rhizophora apiculata Sonneratia Alba, and various types of coastal plants. The uniqueness of the location can be used as a study material related to changes in vegetation, substrate, or biota that inhabit the area. This uniqueness is illustrated by the presence of mangroves that coexist with land vegetation and freshwater plants. Onrizal gave recommendations for the management of the Meurebo ecosystem, namely maintaining the area with the main priority of zero degradation and zero deforestation. (RJ)

Author: Renny Yulia Harahap - -

Interviewee: - - -

Photographer: Special - -