LEARNING by Doing: SEAFDEC/IFRDMD Strengthens Students’ Practical Skills through SPEECTRA Field Monitoring

On 10 September 2026, staff members from the SEAFDEC/Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (SEAFDEC/IFRDMD) guided university students during a field practice activity at the SPEECTRA SFV Patra Tani ponds, BRPPUPP, Muara Enim, South Sumatra, Indonesia.

The activity focused on monitoring water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and water transparency. These provide a simple but important picture of pond conditions and help guide proper fish management for healthy growth. SEAFDEC/IFRDMD staff provided direct guidance on how to conduct the measurements and discussed what the results mean in actual pond conditions.

The students also learned how to monitor fish growth in the SPEECTRA ponds. They practiced measuring fish length and weight and discussed how growth performance can be linked to the surrounding pond environment.

Rather than learning only from the classroom, the students had the opportunity to work directly with the ponds, equipment, and field data. This hands-on experience allowed them to see how basic measurements can support practical decisions in aquaculture and inland fisheries management.

Through this activity, the students gained direct experience in monitoring water quality and fish growth. The activity also helped them understand how knowledge learned in the classroom can be applied in real-world field situations.

With guidance from SEAFDEC/IFRDMD staff, the students were expected to strengthen their practical skills while gaining a better understanding of pond management, sustainable aquaculture, and inland fisheries resource management. For SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, activities such as this also provide an opportunity to connect scientific knowledge with the next generation of fisheries professionals through practical learning in the field.