Sustainability Strategy for Poor Fishermen's Livelihood to Overcome Resource Constraints

This study aims to identify the livelihood strategies of poor fishers in Tanjung Tiram Village, Southeast Sulawesi, who face various economic, social, and environmental challenges. To achieve this goal, a qualitative approach was used through in-depth interviews and participant observation with 34 heads of fishing families to understand the dynamics of their lives and their adaptation strategies for maintaining their livelihoods. The results show that fishers implement various adaptive strategies, including optimizing the use of coastal resources, diversifying income outside the fishing sector—such as working as daily laborers or starting small businesses—and actively involving family members in livelihood activities to increase total household income. Furthermore, the role of intermediary services in the catch marketing chain contributes to increased sales efficiency, despite the complex interdependencies involved. Social and cultural factors have also been shown to strongly influence strategic choices, including kinship networks and local norms. In conclusion, fishers' survival depends not only on the availability of natural resources but also on social adaptation, family structure, and the support of local economic systems and inclusive government policies. Therefore, more responsive and sustainable policy interventions are needed to empower poor fishing communities comprehensively.