By Dr. Ahmad Fayas Bin Ahmad Najib, Faculty of Maritime Studies

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s blue economy and promote sustainable aquaculture practices, a team of researchers from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently conducted a workshop to help marine cage fish farmers enhance the sustainability and productivity of their farming operations. 

The Marine Cage Aquaculture Sustainability Workshop, held at Tg Demong, Besut, Terengganu, brought together 17 marine cage fish farmers from the surrounding area. The workshop was led by Dr. Hidayah Manan, the Project Leader and lecturer from UMT’s Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP). 

The one-day workshop featured six comprehensive training modules delivered by experienced lecturers and researchers from AKUATROP, the Faculty of Fisheries Science and Aquaculture, and the Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology. The modules covered a broad spectrum of topics essential for sustainable marine aquaculture: 

• Module 1: Blue Economy Sustainability through Marine Cage Aquaculture (by Dr. Hidayah Manan)
• Module 2: Induced Breeding Techniques for Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) (by Dr. Muhammad Abduh Bin Yazed)
• Module 3: Live Feed Culture: Artemia Production (by Dr. Mimi Iryani Mat Taib)
• Module 4: Water Quality Management for Marine Cage Culture and Hatcheries (by Prof. Nor Azman Kasan)
• Module 5: Marine Fish Health and Disease Management (by Dr. Mohd Ihwan Bin Zakriah)
• Module 6: Marketing Strategies and Financial Management for Aquaculture Enterprises (by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Nazli Mohd Nor)

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in interactive learning sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical aquaculture applications. The programme emphasized the adoption of sustainable farming practices, improved hatchery management, fish health monitoring, and business management strategies that are vital for the long-term success of marine aquaculture enterprises.

The workshop was carried out under UMT’s Knowledge Transfer and Assimilation Grants (KTAGS). The initiative reflects UMT’s commitment to transfer knowledge and technology from academia to local communities. By equipping fish farmers with updated scientific knowledge and practical skills, the programme aims to improve marine fish production, enhance the quality of hatchery-produced fingerlings, and increase farm productivity while promoting environmentally responsible aquaculture practices. 

Beyond improving technical capacity, the workshop is expected to contribute to the socio-economic development of marine cage farmers in the Besut area by increasing productivity, strengthening business resilience, and creating better income opportunities. These efforts are closely aligned with Malaysia’s Blue Economy agenda, which seeks to balance economic growth with the sustainable use of marine resources.

Through initiatives such as this, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu continues to reinforce its role as a leading institution in community engagement and knowledge transfer, empowering coastal communities with innovative technologies and sustainable solutions that support both environmental stewardship and blue economy prosperity.

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