Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
SDG 14 Indicator
14.2 – Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education
14.2.3 – Overfishing (Community Outreach)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offers several educational outreach programs focused on sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, which include raising awareness on issues related to overfishing and conservation for free.
FREE: Official Launching of Ocean Malaysia: Langkawi
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), in collaboration with the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), UKM has officially launched “Ocean Malaysia Langkawi” on 27th February 2023. Ocean Malaysia Partnership is a flagship program, inspired by the achievement of Ocean Canada Partnership and led by Dr. Lubna Alam, Fellow, LESTARI. The principal goal of Ocean Malaysia is to find benefits of humanity through understanding and addressing threats facing Malaysia’s West coast, East coast and Borneo regions and seek opportunities to develop a shared vision for the future of our oceans and community.
The launching ceremony and the forum were also attended by LESTARI’s Deputy Director, Associate Professor Dr. Sharina Abdul Halim and 100 participants of academician, non-government agencies (NGOs), private parties and local community.
This partnership is crucial for addressing challenges such as overfishing, fish diseases, climate change, and unpredictable weather patterns, which all impact the sustainability of fish stocks and overall biodiversity. The collaboration reflects UKM’s commitment to working with industry and government to support ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation, and food security for the future.
Source: https://www.ukm.my/lestari/news/official-launching-of-ocean-malaysia-langkawi
FREE: Etiqa’s Marine Conservation Project Returns To Pulau Tioman To Propagate New Corals
UKM Marine Research Centre (EKOMAR) in collaboration with Etiqa Marine Conservation Project 2023, in collaboration with Leges Divers and was held at Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman. Shahrul Azuan Mohamed, CEO of Etiqa General Takaful Berhad (EGTB), together with 30 volunteers from Etiqa, participated in a diving expedition to help restore and propagate new corals in Kampung Salang. Collaborating strategically with Leges Divers has empowered the restoration and adoption of corals. Apart from coral reef rehabilitations, this program also creates awareness of illegal and destructive fishing practices that may harm the coral reef ecosystem.
Leges Divers led underwater explorations and facilitated workshops that educated participants about marine life identification and coral restoration techniques inline with raising awareness about overfishing and illegal activities in fishing practice.
FREE: UKM Provide Free Online Courses On Sustainable Fisheries (STAL3083 MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY)
UKM offers an educational program through a course on Marine Biotechnology that indirectly addresses issues related to overfishing and destructive fishing practices. The course includes Biodiversity, Aquaculture, and Fisheries that provide a foundation for understanding sustainable fisheries practices. Detection of Toxins, Poisons, and Pollutants on monitoring and protecting marine ecosystems impacted by overfishing and pollution. Besides, Highlights the importance of marine resources and the risks of over-exploitation. While the course primarily focuses on biotechnology applications, it raises awareness of marine ecosystem preservation and sustainable management practices, which are essential for mitigating the impacts of overfishing and related destructive activities. This program contributes to UKM’s outreach in promoting sustainable fisheries and ecosystem conservation.
Synopsis:
Biotechnology approaches are increasingly being used to address specific issues in the marine environment. Likewise, marine organisms are increasingly used in biotechnology research. This course begins with an explanation of the concept of biotechnology by giving specific examples. This was followed by a discussion of the fields of marine science that use a biotechnology approach, for example in taxonomy, biodiversity, aquaculture and fisheries, detection of toxins and poisons, bioremediation, and detection of pollutants. Further, aspects of the exploitation of marine organisms as a source of material for various biotechnology applications will be discussed. Practice will focus on DNA extraction methods, PCR process, gene sequencing, data analysis, algae toxin detection, and detection of bioactive substances from marine organisms.
FREE: Awareness Program On Overfishing At Tasik Chini Lake: ‘Green Camp for Youth @ Tasik Chini Unesco Biosphere Reserve’ Program
UKM organised the overfishing awareness programs: Green Camp for Youth @ Tasik Chini UNESCO Biosphere Reserve from November 17-19, 2023. This educational program, conducted at the Tasik Chini Research Centre (PPTC) of The Centre for Natural and Physical Laboratory Management Centre for Natural and Physical (ALAF-UKM) focuses on environmental preservation and conservation activities education and awareness especially in overfishing and destructive fishing practices at Tasik Chini. It engages school students in sustainable water management and environmental conservation, allowing them to develop proactive ideas for addressing environmental and fisheries issues around Tasik Chini. PPTC itself supports a broader conservation ethic that can indirectly relate to preventing unsustainable fishing practices by fostering environmental stewardship in young participants. A total of 40 students from four (4) primary schools in Chini, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasik Cini (JHEOA), Sekolah Kebangsaan (Felda) Chini 1 & 4, Sekolah Kebangsaan (Felda) Chini 2 dan Sekolah Kebangsaan (Felda) Chini 3 & 5 participated in the program for 3 days and 2 nights. It is part of a collaborative effort involving the National Commission for UNESCO Malaysia (SKUM) and the East Coast Economic Regional Development Council (ECERDC).