Students of the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sriwijaya University, underwent an internship program at SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Palembang, for two-months, from September to November 2024. The program is designed to provide practical experience while deepening understanding of inland fisheries research and management.
During the internship, students could engage in various in-depth and diverse activities. One of the activities was supporting counseling in Muara Beringin Village, where students contributed to raising community awareness on the importance of sustainable fisheries resource management. In addition, students also participated in data processing training on aquatic parameter relationships, which enriched their analytical skills in processing aquatic environmental data. This activity included collecting water samples to assess water quality at the SPEECTRA ponds in Patra Tani. In the laboratory, students learned electrophoresis techniques, including the preparation of agar for the electrophoresis process and its application to DNA samples. They also involved processing eel DNA samples, which included important steps such as preparation, extraction, and DNA analysis using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) techniques. Students also practiced the electrophoresis process to identify the results of eel DNA amplification, which is an important step in fisheries genetic research.
As part of the program, interns also receive visits from their supervisors. During the visit, the supervisors met with the field supervisors from SEAFDEC/IFRDMD. This meeting aims to discuss the student’s progress during the internship, evaluate the achievements made, and ensure the program is running according to the learning objectives set.
This program provides hands-on insight into modern laboratory techniques and their application to fisheries research. Students also learn about the importance of genetic research in supporting the conservation of species such as eels, which have high ecological and economic value.
Through this experience, the interns can develop their competence in fisheries science and contribute to sustainable fisheries management.