Examining the Impact of Abrasion on the Livelihood of Fishermen and Aquaculture Farmers: Empirical Study on the North Coast of Central Java Province

Abstract

The coastal area along the North Coast of Central Java is facing complex environmental dynamics, making it vulnerable to pressures from both human activities and natural phenomena that occur on land and at sea. Abrasion along this coastline has significant impacts on the livelihoods of aquaculture farmers and fishermen. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether the impact of abrasion on the livelihood of aquaculture farmers and fishermen was consistently detrimental when viewed from various perspectives. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted, and data were collected to compare conditions before and during the impact of abrasion, focusing on economic, social, environmental, and institutional aspects. The study was conducted purposively in three coastal regencies/cities most affected by abrasion, including Demak, Brebes, and Semarang City. A total of 180 respondents, comprising aquaculture farmers and fishermen, were selected by using snowball sampling based on certain criteria. The collected data were analyzed using the descriptive-analytical method. The results showed that abrasion caused significant changes in the livelihoods of the affected communities. Many aquaculture farmers have transitioned to non-fishery or non-marine sectors as an adaptation strategy. Additionally, aquaculture production has changed, with shrimp farming often replaced by milkfish or seaweed cultivation, and in some cases, by green mussels. Socially, abrasion has resulted in psychological disorders, reduced mutual cooperation, and other challenges. Despite these changes, the communities have managed to maintain harmony. Abrasion also altered the coastline and degraded the quality of settlements in the affected areas. This had led to a decline in the role of aquaculture farmers and fishermen groups, as many individuals have shifted to alternative livelihoods. However, the role of relevant government agencies in empowering these groups has increased, providing vital support for adaptation and recovery. To mitigate the negative impacts of abrasion, synergistic cooperation among stakeholders is essential.