14.2 – Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education

14.2.3 – Overfishing (Community Outreach)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) plays an active role in supporting aquatic ecosystem sustainability through educational programs and community outreach initiatives that address the critical issue of overfishing. In line with SDG 14: Life Below Water, UKM integrates research, education and community participation to promote the sustainable management of fisheries and marine biodiversity. Through a combination of academic research, awareness campaigns and hands-on conservation activities, the university works to reduce the ecological impacts of overfishing and to protect the long-term health of marine ecosystems. Key initiatives include the IKMAS Working Paper 1/2024 – “Towards Sustainable Fisheries in the South China Sea”, which highlights ASEAN’s collaborative efforts in fisheries governance; the Etika Marine Conservation Project in Pulau Tioman, which focuses on coral reef restoration and marine awareness; and the STAL3083 Marine Biotechnology course, which provides foundational knowledge on sustainable aquaculture, biodiversity and the prevention of destructive fishing practices. Collectively, these programs demonstrate UKM’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, regional cooperation and community-based action in protecting aquatic ecosystems.

UKM Overfishing Awareness Programs

No	UKM Overfishing Awareness Programs
1	IKMAS UKM Working Paper 1/2024 : Towards Sustainable Fisheries in the South China Sea: ASEAN‐Led Institutions and Their Initiatives
2	Free: Etika’s Marine Conservation Project returns to Pulau Tioman to propagate new corals.
3	Free: UKM Provide Free Online Courses On Sustainable Fisheries (STAL3083 MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY)

1. IKMAS Working Paper 1/2024 : Towards Sustainable Fisheries in the South China Sea: ASEAN‐Led Institutions and Their Initiatives

Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) UKM is contributing to the discourse on sustainable fisheries in complex contested maritime regions. The paper addresses the status of marine fisheries in the South China Sea (SCS), noting that many commercially important stocks are already fully- or over-exploited, and that ecosystem degradation (e.g., coral reefs, seagrass habitats) is well documented. The paper lists several fisheries-governance arrangements under ASEAN/ASEAN-SEAFDEC frameworks (for example Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center / SEAFDEC, the ASEAN Network for Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (AN‑IUU), etc). These mechanisms are primarily oriented around cooperation, capacity building, knowledge-sharing—not formal regulatory enforcement.

2. Free: Etika’s Marine Conservation Project returns to Pulau Tioman to propagate new corals.

A total of 40 volunteers in collaboration with Leges Divers, Marine Ecosystem Research Center (EKOMAR) ALAF-UKM and the Malaysian Fisheries Department, carried out a three-day coral conservation mission in Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman from 19 to 21 July 2024. The effort included monitoring coral health, conducting educational workshops and extending Amal Jariah donations to the Pulau Tioman community. This initiative focuses on coral reef restoration as a proactive measure to protect and rehabilitate vital marine ecosystems. Through coral transplantation activities, the program provides a practical solution to mitigate the impacts of global warming and climate change on fragile reef habitats. Beyond restoration efforts, the mission also serves as an awareness platform, educating participants and the wider community on the importance of coral reef conservation, marine biodiversity, and collective responsibility in preserving ocean health for future generations.

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3.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, it 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.

Through its multi-dimensional approach combining academic research, education and community engagement, UKM has established itself as a national leader in marine sustainability and overfishing awareness. Each initiative, from academic publications to coral restoration and biotechnology-based learning, contributes to a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between human activity and marine biodiversity. These efforts not only empower communities and students with the knowledge and tools to promote responsible fisheries management, but also reinforce UKM’s commitment to regional and global action against overfishing. Guided by the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, the university continues to nurture informed, responsible and proactive stewards of the ocean. Through education and collaboration, UKM is helping to ensure that marine resources are preserved for future generations, securing the health, resilience and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems in Malaysia and beyond.