After successfully implementing the first training last year, SEAMEO BIOTROP re-conducted the 2nd training on the application of acoustic technology for ocean resources exploration and quantification on 05-09 November 2018 in its headquarter in Bogor. The training emphasized the importance of marine acoustic technology for observing, monitoring, and understanding marine ecosystems and resources, linked with the stock assessment and management, prediction of the potential effects of climate variability and climate change on recruitment, and mapping of historical and cultural sites and other archaeological resources in the ocean floor.

“We would like to share theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to the participants on the use and operation of marine acoustics instruments for the collection and analysis of fish, zooplankton, coral reef, seagrass, seabed data, suspended sediment, ocean current, and to some extent for mapping archaeological resources,” said Prof Henry M. Manik, BIOTROP’s Affiliate Scientist, as the coordinator of the training.

The training featured three experts, namely Prof Henry M. Manik from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Mr. Mohamad Natsir, M.Si, from Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research and Human Resources (BRSDMKP), and Dr Susilohadi from Marine Geological Research and Development Center (P3GL), who were assisted by two instructors, namely Mr. Randi Firdaus, S.Kel, and Ms. Andi Yaodi Nurani Yamin from IPB.

The participants obtained eleven material during the training, which were divided into classroom and laboratory sessions. They covered: 1) Introduction to Marine Acoustic Technology and its Applications, 2) Application of Acoustic Technology for Fisheries, 3) Data Processing and Analysis, 4) Application of Acoustic Technology for Zooplankton and Suspended Sediments Studies, 5) Application of Acoustic Technology for Marine BioSonar, 6) Fish Stock Assessment Using Multibeam and Multifrequency Echosounders: Increasing Accuracy and Resolution, 7) Application of Acoustic Technology for Coral and Seagrass Mapping, 8) Application of Acoustic Technology for Marine Mapping, 9) Acoustic Survey Design and Calibration, 10) Acoustic Technology Instruments, and 11) Data Acquisition for Fish, Zooplankton, Coral Reefs, Seaweed and Seabed. The practicum sessions were held at IPB’s Ocean Acoustic Laboratory and Underwater Acoustic Signal Processing Laboratory.

A total of 26 representatives from various universities, government institutions and companies in Indonesia took part in this training as participants.