This is How IPB University Students Help Fishermen Catch Squid
Squid is a fishery commodity that has high economic value which currently becomes Indonesia's main export product. However, there is a problem in its cultivation, namely the attractors currently used by fishermen to catch squid. Current squid attractors are still ineffective due to the large size, which makes fishermen difficult to carry many attractors at the same time. The material used is also not durable for long time use and easily damaged when exposed to ocean currents. Besides that, transportation costs are also less effective and efficient.
This encouraged three IPB University students, namely Elvanri Anggi Widianti (Department of Aquatic Resources Utilization, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences / FPIK), Fuad Heru Setiawan (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biosystems, Faculty of Agricultural Technology / Fateta), and Khoerul Fatihin (Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences / FMIPA) to make Folding Squid Attractor (Acil) as a portable squid attractor.
"By using this kind of attractor, fishermen could bring more attractors and it is also more durable. Fishermen could also catch squids optimally while at the same time minimalizing transportation costs because they can save fuel," explained Elvanri as Team Leader.
In addition, another function of Acil is to enrich the squid stock. Squid is a seasonal reproductive animal, in which it will result in the extinction of the squid if captured continuously.
"We hope that this folding squid attractor could be useful as an environmentally friendly artificial nest for squid and an artificial coral reef. This attractor is fitted with a tassel that is easily installed and removed. This tassel facilitates fishermen to take squid eggs for cultivation," she said.
Through this work, Elvanri and the team succeeded to obtain funding from the Tanoto Foundation in the Tanoto Student Research Award (TSRA) event. This activity was carried out in order to gather and support the creative works of students. In this activity, Elvanri and the team won 2nd place in the TSRA event at IPB University, (13/6). They will continue the struggle together with two other teams from IPB University in the national TSRA.
