:: PUBLIC LECTURE ::

Friday Seminar

Scientific report: Ecological Observation on Maninjau Lake and Singkarak Lake, West Sumatra, Indonesia

From 13 to 18 March 2014, the research team from School of Biological Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) were given a golden opportunity to visit two lakes in Indonesia. Located in West Sumatra, Maninjau Lake (caldera lake) and Singkarak Lake (tectonic lake) were both formed by volcanic eruption. The team did observations and initiated the first sampling in these two lakes as the initiative from the collaboration with Research Centre for Limnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). With the surface area of 10, 780 ha, Lake Singkarak is the largest lake in West Sumatra followed by Lake Maninjau with surface area of 9, 950 ha. Lake Maninjau and Lake Singkarak are the main water sources for local people as most of them engage with agriculture and aquaculture activities. However, these lakes function mainly in generating hydroelectric power to West Sumatra and Riau Province.

The representatives from both USM and LIPI after the signing of MoU on 14^th March 2014.

From Left: Dr. Luki Subehi, Prof. Mashhor Mansor, Associate Prof. Dr. Wan Maznah Wan Omar, Dr. Tri Widiyanto, Prof Dr. Iskandar Zulkarnain

The collaboration between USM and LIPI has begun officially as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and was signed by both institutes between Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Sofiman Othman (Dean of School of Biological Sciences, USM) with Dr. Tri Widiyanto (Director Research Centre for Limnology, LIPI) witnessed by Prof Dr. Iskandar Zulkarnain (Deputy Research Centre for Limnology, LIPI). By having the MoU signed, all the researches and scientific projects involving both countries would be easily conducted. From the collaboration, the teams were aiming to extend the network and make it as a global and international collaboration in terms of limnological studies focusing on biological engineering approaches.  

The survey in Maninjau Lake and Singarak Lake was led by the limnology team from LIPI with different field of expertises: Dr. Luki Subehi (Geo Hydro-Climatologist), Mr. Iwan Ridwansyah (Bathymetric and GIS), Mr. Hendro Wibowo (Hydrology and SWAT Model Analyses), Mr. Fajar Setiawan (Remote Sensing and Water Quality), Mrs Dini Daruati (Chlorophyll and Remote Sensing). From our side, researchers involved are Associate Professor Dr. Wan Maznah (Biomonitoring and Biological Activities of Algae), Professor Mashhor Mansor (Ecology), Dr. Azma Hanim (Zooplankton Taxonomist), Onrizal (Mangrove Forest), Nor Aisyah Omar (Water Quality), Siti Norasikin Ismail (Aquatic Macrophyte), Muzzalifah Abd Hamid (Aquaculture and Freshwater Ecology) and Mr. Saadon Zubir (Lab Assistant).

Magnificent view of Maninjau Lake from the top of the hill

 Picturesque sight over viewing Singkarak Lake

Abundance of floating cage cultures or “karamba” around the edge of the Maninjau lakeshores. The fish cultured are Ikan Nila Oreochromis niloticus and Ikan Mas Cyprinius caprio

During the survey period in Indonesia, the USM teams were in awe of the breath-taking views both of these lakes had to offer. With its luxurious greenery and traditional paddy field, we experienced nature at its best. The lakes were surrounded by mountains and rural placement of the local people. Most of the people who live around these lakes are ethnically Minangkabau. The classic architecture of the houses and building in this area shows the value of their heritage which they still honour and keep until today. Some of the villagers were interviewed based on socio-economic inquires. This survey was conducted to obtain a better understanding on their lifestyle and subsistence. Besides that, the teams managed to collect phytoplankton samples from these two lakes. Two of researches were attacked by small brown worms found in the lake also known as “langsing” by the locals while collecting the samples. According to local people there, the individual number of this worm is high during rainy season. An experience neither one of the researches would ever forget!

Cheers.~

Prepared by : Muzzalifah Abd Hamid, Siti Norasikin Ismail and Nor Aisyah Omar

Farewell & best of luck

Congratulations to our M.Sc. candidate Mr. Muhammad Adlan Abdul Halim for your graduation. As you move into new venture, may luck and success always be with you.

Cheers.~

Asian Fish Biodiversity Conference 2014

For more information, please visit http://www.afbc2014.com/

Sampling at Constructed Wetland, USM Engineering Campus

On the 19th October, we were given an opportunity to help 28 undergraduate students with their field work for BAT 201 (Limnology) class. We departed from USM at 8.00 am  and headed to USM Engineering Campus where the constructed wetland area was located. Our arrival was greatly welcomed by the River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) staff. They served us some breakfast and brief us regarding REDAC and the constructed wetland area which were managed by them.  

having breakfast before sampling

briefing session 

We started sampling at 9.30 am. All parameters which includes DO, TDS, temperature, depth, pH, conductivity were measured at five different areas. We also took water samples (triplicate) at each area for water quality analysis in the laboratory. 

During Sampling process

We finished sampling at 1.00 pm and headed back to campus with an enjoyable experience. We would like to thank REDAC staffs for their hospitality during our presence there. Looking forward for our cooperation again next time.

cheers.~

Farewell & best of luck..

Congratulations to our Ph.D candidate Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Alsull and M.Sc. candidate Mr. Chan Jiang Wei for your graduation. As you guys move into new venture, may luck and success always be with you.

Cheers.~