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UNAIR NEWS – As climate change continues to threaten marine ecosystems worldwide, World Oceans Day serves as a reminder of the need to protect the oceans as a critical source of life and livelihood. Muhammad Hanif Azhar, SPi, MSi, PhD, a lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) ������ (UNAIR), highlighted the importance of responsible marine resource management and the expansion of aquaculture as a strategy to strengthen food security.

Climate change impacts

Azhar said the capture fisheries industry is facing mounting challenges as climate change and environmental degradation increasingly disrupt marine ecosystems. “One of the major challenges confronting capture fisheries amid climate change is ecosystem disruption, which has reduced the productivity of fishery resources,” he said.

He added that the effects are particularly evident among coastal communities, especially traditional fishers. To secure sufficient catches, many fishers are now forced to travel farther offshore. The increased distance translates into higher fuel consumption and greater operational expenses.

Climate change has also accelerated coral bleaching and ocean acidification, further threatening marine biodiversity. As environmental conditions worsen, only certain species are able to adapt, while others experience declining populations due to increased mortality rates.

“Damage to coastal ecosystems can significantly diminish fisheries productivity. That is why environmental restoration efforts, including mangrove rehabilitation and the recovery of coastal habitats, are becoming increasingly vital,” he said.

Azhar warned that these environmental pressures could undermine long-term food security by affecting both the availability of seafood and the economic stability of coastal populations.

Aquaculture as food security solution

To address these challenges, Azhar pointed to aquaculture as one of the most viable solutions. Unlike capture fisheries, aquaculture systems allow producers to better manage environmental conditions, fish health, and production levels, resulting in more consistent and sustainable yields.

“Aquaculture is among the most effective solutions because the cultivation environment can be closely monitored and managed, allowing production to be more predictable and sustainable,” he said.

He also identified several aquaculture commodities with strong development potential. Marine aquaculture includes seaweed and shellfish farming, while brackish-water cultivation focuses on species such as milkfish, seabass, and whiteleg shrimp. Freshwater aquaculture, meanwhile, includes catfish, gourami, and tilapia.

Despite its promise, aquaculture development still faces a range of technical, social, and economic obstacles. Hanif said overcoming these challenges will require collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and local communities through a quadruple helix approach to create a productive and sustainable aquaculture sector.

Azhar also urged younger generations to take a more responsible approach to managing natural resources, particularly those tied to marine ecosystems. “Human beings were entrusted as stewards of the Earth. Therefore, we have a responsibility to protect and use natural resources wisely without resorting to excessive exploitation,” he said.

Author: Maulya Afifah Zahra 

Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia