The  11^th International Fisheries Symposium was held from 22 to 23 November 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. The theme of this year’s symposium is Building Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture for Future Generations. This seminar was conducted through exciting presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions. Participants showcase their research findings or innovative projects during the symposium’s scientific sessions.

I presented the research results entitled Antibacterial Activity of Sargassum hystrix Ethanolic Extract and Their Effect on Red Tilapia Fillet Shelf Life at Cold Temperatures. My research shows that S. hystrix ethanolic extract has potential as an antibacterial. S. hystrix ethanolic extract treatment maintained the freshness of red tilapia filets until the fourth day of storage. 2.0% ethanolic extract treatment is the best treatment to maintain the shelf life of tilapia filets. In my presentation, four participants asked questions and invited interactive discussions, and there was one participant who gave suggestions for my further research.

I am excited and grateful to be able to take part in IFS, which is designed to improve my skills, encourage collaboration, and find practical solutions to address fisheries and aquaculture challenges. I also gained new knowledge and innovation from other participants’ presentations. This is an excellent opportunity to disseminate their work, receive valuable feedback, and contribute to the global fisheries community.

The ASEAN-FEN Annual International Fisheries Symposium is an annual academic symposium which provides the attendees with the opportunity to gain insights into topics in many sessions: Aquaculture biotechnology and engineering, Aquatic animal nutrition and physiology, Aquatic animal health management, Genetics and breeding, Fishing and fishery technology, policy and law, aquatic resources and environmental management, biodiversity and climate change, and additional session: EAFTA (East Asia Fish Technologists Association) session: Seafood processing technology, food safety, and security, fisheries socioeconomics and management, led by Hokkaido University, Japan; ASACHA session led by Cirad, France; Seaweed session led by Ocean University (OUC), China; Aquatic Animal Welfare Session, led by FAI Farms, UK; and Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries, led by GAF, Asian Fisheries Society (AFS). At this time, the 11th International Fisheries Symposium took place in Bangkok, Thailand, 22-24 November 2023.

Attending the Symposium left a lasting impression on me due to its thought-provoking discussions, diverse perspectives, and engaging atmosphere. As I entered the grand hall, filled with esteemed philosophers and intellectuals, I could feel the weight of knowledge and wisdom in the air. At this symposium, I presented a study entitled Microplastics Content in Water, Sediment, and Fish in The Ancar River, Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara (Indonesia).

The Symposium challenged my preconceived notions and expanded my understanding of these complex concepts. It made me question my own beliefs and forced me to critically analyze them. Overall, attending a symposium is an invaluable experience that combines learning, networking, and personal growth. Whether it is expanding knowledge or forging new relationships, participating in a symposium offers numerous benefits that make it well worth attending.

The ASEAN-FEN International Fisheries Symposium is an annual academic symposium that provides the attendees the opportunity to gain insights into a wide range of topics under several technical sessions, including (1) Aquaculture biotechnology and engineering; (2) Aquatic animal nutrition and physiology; (3) Aquatic animal health management; (4) Genetics and breeding; (5) Fishing and fishery technology, policy and law, aquatic resources and environmental management, biodiversity, and climate change; and (6) Community outreach in fisheries and aquaculture.

At this con­fer­ence I presen­ted an oral presentation entitled ‘Growth Characterization and Genetics of Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) from Hybridization Three Different Strains’ at the Parallel Session 6: Special Session – Genetics and Breeding. This research was conducted using 3 strains of red tilapia fish. The main aim of this research is to produce red tilapia broodstock that has high growth performance. I received positive feedback from participants who came from Thailand because they had research on red tilapia. The questions asked by Prof. Siti Azizah Mohd Nor as a moderator also provide new insights that can be used as improvements to the paper.

I am very happy and proud to be able to take part in the conference. Presentations and knowledge from professors, scientists, lecturers, and students from various countries are a very valuable and unforgettable experience. I am very grateful to the Department of Fisheries Universitas Gadjah Mada and International Fisheries Symposium 2023. This conference greatly increased my knowledge and network.

The International Fisheries Symposium (IFS) was held on November 22-24, 2023, is a meeting aimed at encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in the field of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The theme of this symposium is Building Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture for Future Generatin. The event was held at Novotel Future Park Rangsit Hotel Bangkok, Thailand and it was attended by representatives from various countries, and Indonesia was the country with the largest number of delegates.

The presentation I offered at this symposium was titled Salinity Tolerance of Synthetic-Selection Red Tilapia Seeds from Four Different Strains, which was included in the first session, Aquaculture Biotechnology and Engineering. Currently, tilapia development is a hot issue in the world. As in Malaysia, my new acquaintance Sarah, a master’s student from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, said that tilapia development towards brackish aquaculture is also underway.

Not only as an academic event, IFS is also a place to introduce and recognize the culture of the participants’ home countries. At the gala dinner, each participant performed a show. My friends and I on behalf of the master of fisheries science students performed a traditional dance called Tari Rantak, followed by the appearance of the lecturers singing the song Meraih Bintang.

The IFS was my first experience as a presenter in an international seminar abroad. I got many things from this symposium, starting from adding relationships to doctoral study offers. I am very grateful for this unforgettable opportunity and thank th e Fisheries Department for accommodating and fully supporting the participating students.