Assessing factors that affect selection of adaptation strategies for small-scale fishing communities

Climate change is a global phenomenon that impacts nature. One of the impacts is the increase in the earth's surface temperature that increases the sea level and causing a reduction in coastlines. In addition, fishermen's productive physical capital such as vessels, jetties and fishing gear, are vulnerable to the changing climate. Therefore, fishermen need to use adaptation strategies to survive in coastal areas. This study was undertaken in Tambakrejo, Sumbermanjing, Malang. Data were collected using surveys (questionnaires). Their understanding of climate change affects their choice of adaptation strategies. Our findings reveal that fishermen's understanding of climate change, perceived feelings of impacts and their characteristics are important variables when choosing adaptation strategies. Perceived feeling of sea level increases and changes of fish species are significant factors that affect them in selecting adaptation strategies such as create new mangrove area, construction of breakwater and the use of new fishing technologies. The limitation of fishermen's knowledge of climate change should lead to active promotion and education from stakeholders and/or government for successful implementation of any adaptation strategies.