maritimeposts.com/ – The Center for Marine Research and Coastal Community Empowerment (PPKPMP) of LPPM-UNTAD, in collaboration with the Deputy Office for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control, Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), held a Training on Marine Debris and Microplastic Monitoring in Palu Bay on Monday–Wednesday, September 23–24, 2025.
The training was attended by undergraduate students of Marine Science at Tadulako University, who are being prepared to become the frontliners in efforts to mitigate marine pollution, particularly plastic waste and microplastics.
The event, held at Building C of LPPM, was officially opened by the Head of LPPM, Dr. Lukman, M.Hum.
In his remarks, he emphasized the vital role of academics and students in responding to increasingly complex environmental challenges.
“Marine pollution has now become a serious issue. Academics and students must be present to provide solutions,” he said.
A similar view was expressed by Kasim Mansyur, ST., M.Si, Secretary of PPKPMP LPPM-UNTAD. He stressed that marine debris, particularly plastics and microplastics, has become a real threat to ecosystems and marine life in Palu Bay.
“Through this training, we hope students gain strong theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling them to carry out independent and sustainable monitoring and research,” he noted.
On the second and third days, the program continued with field practices at Baiya Beach and Mamboro Beach.
Participants conducted surveys, collected marine debris and microplastic samples, and identified waste types according to KLH/BPLH’s standard methods.
These two locations were selected because of their suitable sampling characteristics and their recognition as accumulation points of marine debris in Palu Bay.
This training reflects PPKPMP LPPM-UNTAD’s commitment to supporting government programs aimed at reducing marine debris and microplastics, while also strengthening collaboration between universities and related ministries.
It is expected that the outcomes of this program will make a tangible contribution to the development of research and marine debris management in the future.
Editorial Team