FKP UNUD Welcomes HKUST Academic Visit to Discuss Research on Internal Waves and Coral Reefs

• Posted by: Admin
• Senin, 1 September 2025
• Has been read 5 time(s)

On Monday, August 25, 2025, the Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Udayana University (FKP UNUD), welcomed an academic visit from the delegation of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The meeting, held at the FKP UNUD Building, carried the theme “Drivers of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem Biodiversity and Functions in Indonesia’s Twilight Zone”, focusing on the dynamics of mesophotic coral ecosystems as well as the challenges and opportunities for research in Indonesian waters.

The discussion began with an introduction of the HKUST team, consisting of Prof. Alex S. J. Wyatt, Prof. Sai-Kit Yeung, Gonzalo Perez-Rosales, Joshua B.-T. Williams, Yu-De Pei, and Makus Rummel.

From FKP UNUD, Dr. I Gede Hendrawan, Vice Dean I, presented research findings on plastic pollution in the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) of Nusa Penida and Karangasem, while Prof. I Wayan Gede Astawa Karang, Vice Dean III, shared studies related to internal wave phenomena in the Lombok Strait. Prof. Alex S. J. Wyatt of HKUST then elaborated on the role of internal waves in regulating deep-sea temperatures and their contribution to coral reef health, whereas Prof. Sai-Kit Yeung introduced the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in developing 3D modeling of coral reef ecosystems, underwater video analysis, and the identification of marine biota through digital imagery. On this occasion, he also highlighted opportunities for UNUD students and researchers to pursue postgraduate (Master’s and Doctoral) studies at HKUST.

Following the presentation session, the event continued with a laboratory tour at the Baruna Building of FKP UNUD, giving participants the chance to observe the research facilities available. Subsequently, both teams discussed technical plans for field data collection in the waters of Tulamben and Amed as a follow-up to potential research collaborations. The discussion concluded with optimism for a stronger partnership between FKP UNUD and HKUST, particularly in the field of oceanography and the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to support marine science research and development.