The main objective of this activity is to provide a better forecast on regional weather and climate predictions
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has proposed monitoring sea surface temperatures during the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission for the West Pacific (IOC-Westpac) forum organized in Jakarta on April 4-7, 2023.

Main Expert Researcher at the BRIN Oceanographic Research Center Augy Syahailatua stated that the research proposal was related to monitoring sea surface temperature in the North Kalimantan waters and the coastlines of small islands as well as the role of sea dynamics in the fishing process in the Coral Triangle.

"The main objective of this activity is to provide a better forecast on regional weather and climate predictions," he noted in a statement received here, Wednesday.

According to Syahailatua, sea surface temperature research is also useful for the scientific management of information on fisheries and aquaculture along the Kuroshio Current and beyond since Indonesia had participated in the Cooperative Study of Kuroshio (CSK)-2 Program. The program was one of the topics discussed at the IOC-Westpac meeting.

Syahailatua noted that the suggestion was put forth on account of Indonesia's position in the international waters, so it was deemed necessary for researchers to contribute in monitoring the sea surface temperature.

BRIN also observes that the CSK program is beneficial for Indonesia, so the agency is keen to support the program in a bid to strengthen research cooperation regionally and globally and bring benefits for Indonesia in increasing scientific and technological understanding regarding marine and environmental resources.

Syahailatua affirmed that his side was keen to use the program to explore marine resources and deep-sea biodiversity and also map the potential for earthquakes and tsunamis in the deep sea.

Syahailatua expressed optimism that Indonesia would lead research not only in the Pacific Ocean but also in the Indian Ocean, especially in connection with ocean-related discussions since most of the deep seas are located in Indonesia.

"As two-thirds of Indonesia is the deep sea, so it becomes a laboratory for the world. We can use this capital to lead research in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean," Syahailatua remarked.

In addition, Indonesia has the potential in terms of the presence of vast deep-sea resources, as no sunlight can penetrate beyond 200 meters of the sea surface, he noted.

During the IOC-Westpac meeting in Jakarta, several countries, such as Japan, the United States, South Korea, China, and the Philippines, also submitted proposals for activities.

Related news: BRIN readies three programs to encourage marine research
Related news: BRIN offers research collaboration to support small islands
Related news: Navy holds 22nd NIOHC meeting to discuss blue economy

Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023