Marine ecosystem conservation efforts initiated by the FMIPA UNEJ in partnership with PT Autore Pearl Culture are yielding promising results. Two months after the planting of 750 coral reef seedlings in the waters of Tanjung Sekeben (Tembokrejo, Muncar, Banyuwangi Regency) specifically in May 2026 the underwater ecosystem is beginning to recover. Various species of reef fish have returned to inhabit the transplantation area, serving as an indicator of improved habitat quality. This program is also supported by the Banyuwangi Naval Base, the Muncar Fishing Port Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) of the East Java Marine and Fisheries Agency, and local fishermen groups.

Dr. Ratna Dewi Syarifah, S.Pd., M.Si., head of the FMIPA UNEJ Coral Reef Restoration Team, explained that field monitoring results indicate an excellent survival rate for the coral reef seedlings. “We are grateful to see the positive developments at the transplantation site. The reappearance of various reef fish species indicates that the transplantation method we implemented is accelerating the natural habitat recovery process. This demonstrates that collaboration among universities, the industrial sector, the government, and the community can deliver tangible impacts on the sustainability of coastal ecosystems,” she stated. Continue reading →