Banda Aceh 28/07/2023, The Center for Marine and Fisheries Science Research Syiah Kuala University has once again succeeded in securing funding from the Kedaireka Matching Fund Batch 2 for the year 2023. This achievement highlights the university’s commitment to advancing marine research and conservation efforts.

Just two weeks earlier, a team led by Haekal Azief Haridhi, M.Sc., Ph.D., also won funding from Kedaireka for their groundbreaking research project on sustainable and marine products. This indicates the university’s prominence in the field of marine science and its dedication to finding innovative solutions for the fishing industry.

This time, the team led by Dr. Nurfadli, M.Sc., has successfully secured funding from Kedaireka for the year 2023 with the project titled “Rehabilitation and Monitoring of Coral Reef Ecosystems on Pusong Island, Southwest Aceh Regency, Using AI for Marine Ecotourism Advancement.” This ambitious endeavor not only aims to restore and conserve coral reefs but also demonstrates the university’s commitment to promoting sustainable marine tourism.

The research project has far-reaching implications, with the team focusing on empowering the local community in identifying various types or species of coral reefs during monitoring activities. By involving the community in the rehabilitation process, the project seeks to foster a sense of stewardship and ownership among the residents, ultimately contributing to the long-term success of the conservation efforts.

Moreover, this collaboration between the Center for Marine and Fisheries Science Research Syiah Kuala University and BPSPL (Center for Marine and Coastal Resource Management) in the Aceh Region showcases the power of partnerships in addressing critical marine issues. Such collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise, making the project more comprehensive and impactful.

It’s worth mentioning that this is not the first time PRKP USK has collaborated with BPSPL. Their previous joint effort in conducting a workshop on coral data collection techniques demonstrates their continuous pursuit of scientific excellence and capacity building.

As of now, PRKP USK has successfully secured two grants from the Kedaireka Matching Fund for the year 2023, solidifying its position as a leading institution in marine research and conservation in the region.

With these achievements and ongoing initiatives, Universitas Syiah Kuala is poised to make significant contributions to the sustainable development of marine resources and the preservation of the marine ecosystem in Aceh and beyond.