Ahmad Husein – August 2026
SFACT is proud to inform you that our scholarship awardee, Ilham, has accomplished his doctoral study at the IPB University after successfully defending his dissertation in a doctoral promotion open senate session held in IPB University, Bogor, West Java on August 6th, 2026.
Ilham, who started the study in 2020, becomes the second scholar from Indonesia who earn the PhD after Syahril Abdul Raup in February 2025. He conducted a study with topic “Decision Support System for the Management of Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources in WPPNRI 712” under supervision of Prof. Yonvitner, Prof. Mennofatria Boer, Dr Rahmat Kurnia and Dr Zairion.
Small pelagic fisheries in Indonesia Fisheries Management Area 712 (WPPNRI 712) which encompassing the Java Sea and its surrounding waters play a crucial role in food security and the livelihoods of thousands of fishers. However, they are already thought to be fully exploited. Ilham’s research focuses on the exploitation status and biological condition of small pelagic fish based on the data on fishing logbook from 2018 to 2022 and biological data from 4 main landing sites.
The research examines catch and effort patterns, spatial distribution, fish biology and interactions. The results presented are summarized in a Decision Support System (DSS), based on 16 indicators that dictate the best management options.
The research revealed a reduction in catch per unit effort (CPUE) of all species and significant shifts in catch composition and clear evidence of overfishing in some species. It also discovered that some fish are being harvested prematurely, in many cases before they mature, which may affect the reproductive potential of the stocks.
Using the Decision Support System (DSS), Ilham suggested that an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) would be the best management strategy. Restricting fishing units, imposing a minimum catch size depending on fish maturity, creating sanctuary zones for fishing activities during certain periods and improving the surveillance of fishing activities is recommended. It also calls for a regularly updated DSS to support a long-term shift towards.
In his remarks after the session, Ilham expressed his gratitude to the SFACT for funding his doctoral research. ” I always remember SFACT Chairman’s advice that SFACT remain fully committed to establishing a comprehensive support framework and dedicating the utmost efforts throughout our doctoral journey until degree completion,” said Ilham.
“SFACT firmly believe that a doctoral graduates from this programme will constitute a strategic asset for the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and contribute significantly to Indonesia sustainable fisheries development.”
