BATU BARA, October 15, 2026 – Dr. Ahmad Muhtadi, S.Pi., M.Si., Head of the Aquatic Resources Management (MSP) Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture (FP), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), served as a speaker at the First Public Consultation on the Designation of the Aquatic Conservation Area in the Waters of Pulau Pandang, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra Province, on Thursday (October 15, 2026).

The activity, organized by the Marine and Fisheries Agency of North Sumatra Province, was held at the Batu Bara Regency Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Office, with additional participation provided online via Zoom. The forum formed part of the process of preparing the conservation area designation document to support the sustainable protection and management of coastal and marine ecosystems.





The public consultation followed up on a survey conducted from August 10–14, 2026. The survey collected data and information on the biophysical and ecological conditions, as well as the characteristics of the waters surrounding Pulau Pandang, as considerations in preparing the proposed conservation area designation document.

The involvement of Dr. Ahmad Muhtadi as a speaker provided an academic contribution to discussions on the scientific basis for area management. An aquatic resources management perspective is needed to link ecosystem protection needs with sustainable resource utilization and the interests of coastal communities.





The public consultation provided a forum for stakeholders to review the survey findings and provide input on the draft document. The process is expected to strengthen the scientific foundation, integrated management, and support for the proposed conservation area in the waters of Pulau Pandang.

The participation of the Head of the USU MSP Study Program in the activity reflects the university’s contribution to supporting the formulation of coastal and marine resource management policies. The involvement of academics also provides opportunities to strengthen synergies among education, research, and community service in addressing conservation needs in North Sumatra.

This effort aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, through support for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration among the government, higher education institutions, and stakeholders.