The program was officially opened by Dr. Ferdinan Hukama Takwa, Head of the Department of Fisheries, who emphasized the crucial role of young generations in sustaining wetland fisheries as a foundation for food security and freshwater ecosystem balance.
The seminar featured three invited speakers: Mr. H. Aries Irwan Wahyu, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Office of South Sumatra Province; Dr. Mirna Fitrani, Lecturer at the Department of Fisheries; and Dr. Dina Muthmainnah, Researcher at SEAFDEC/IFRDMD.
In her presentation titled “Strategies for Managing Inland Fisheries amid Wetland Degradation,” Dr. Dina outlined the ecological and economic value of swamp and floodplain ecosystems for food security, biodiversity, and local livelihoods, while addressing major threats such as habitat conversion, overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Drawing on SEAFDEC/IFRDMD’s collaboration with the Research Institute for Inland Fisheries and Extension (RIIFE), she highlighted the Patra Tani Wetland Fisheries Installation in South Sumatra as a model site integrating local fish aquaculture, the SPEECTRA conservation model, and Smart Fisheries Village (SFV) initiatives that combine technology, education, and community empowerment. She also underscored SEAFDEC/IFRDMD’s efforts to advance women’s participation in fisheries through training programs on aquaculture and fish product processing. Concluding her talk, she encouraged students to contribute innovative ideas and uphold the shared responsibility of preserving wetland ecosystems for future generations.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Toru Shimoda, Deputy Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, who expressed appreciation to the speakers, organizing committee, and participants. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and youth involvement in research and adaptive strategies to ensure sustainable wetland fisheries management.
The Himakua Scientific Work 2025 served as a constructive platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among academia, government, and research institutions to support sustainable and inclusive inland fisheries development.