The process of social adaptation towards climate change among Malaysian fishermen

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of social adaptation to climate change among fishermen in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA set of questionnaires was developed based on the individual adaptive capacity framework on social adaptation to climate change developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Based on multi‐stage simple random sampling, a total of 300 registered fishermen in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia were chosen as the respondents.FindingsThe fishermen surveyed had a high level of adaptation with regards to two aspects: first, environmental awareness, attitudes and beliefs; and second, local environmental knowledge. In contrast, they showed a low level of adaptation with regards to three aspects: attachment to place; formal and informal networks; and attachment to occupation. In addition, the fishermen had a moderate level of adaptation in relation to ten other aspects.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study reflect social adaptation towards climate change among registered fishermen in the East Coast Region of Malaysia and results might be different if registered fishermen from other regions are included.Practical implicationsThe study demonstrated the strengths and weaknesses of the fishermen's adaptations to climate change. Such strengths and weaknesses have resulted in a number of suggestions and recommendations, which may work as tools by which to generate well‐planned and systematic adaptation options for dealing with the threatening impacts of climate change.Originality/valuePrevious studies, both local and international, have consistently provided comprehensive explanatory reviews regarding climate change impacts on fishermen's activities. However, the common constraint of these studies is that aspects of adaptation are not under their radar; therefore, this study aims to fill this gap.

Readiness of Young Malaysian Fishermen to Use Global Positioning System within the Fishing Operation

“…The mean score for age was 31.3 years where a majority of them were included in the age group of 36-40 years old. Fisheries industry seem fail to attract involvement from higher education achiever Bolong et al, 2013;Shaffril et al, 2013) and a similar secanario can be found within the scope of this study where only 4.5% of the respondents possessed tertiary level of education and slightly more than one third of them (34.6%) possessed SPM/MCE/SPMV level of education. Man (2008) have explained the scenario by stating that higher education achiever seem to express less interest on agriculture activities as they consider it as a second class job or just an alternative way of adding their income.…”

“…Zone A and Zone B fishermen are also known as coastal fishermen while Zone C0 and C2 fishermen are also known as deep sea fishermen. A majority of fishermen in Malaysia is among the senior fishermen and up to date there is no recent statistic on the number of young fishermen in Malaysia, however, local studies done by Omar et al (2012), Shaffril et al (2013) and Mazuki et al (2013) have consistently shown that nearly 30% of fishermen within their studies are young fishermen.…”

Relationship to the River: The Case of the Rural Communities Residing Beside the Tembeling, Pahang and Muar Rivers

“…First, the strong relationship and 'communication' that has long been established between the villagers and the rivers have created a strong attachment between them, and this has maintained their dependence on the rivers as the source of income. Shaffril et al (2013) state that demographic factors such as age and duration of residence in an area have a relationship with the attachment locals feel to rivers, and the extent of 'communication' between the community and nature. Shaffril et al's (2013) findings seem to explain the local scenario in this study, as the respondents have lived in the villages for long periods of time (in the majority of cases, more than 20 years), which is likely to have created a better relationship and attachment with, and communication between, them and the rivers.…”

“…Shaffril et al (2013) state that demographic factors such as age and duration of residence in an area have a relationship with the attachment locals feel to rivers, and the extent of 'communication' between the community and nature. Shaffril et al's (2013) findings seem to explain the local scenario in this study, as the respondents have lived in the villages for long periods of time (in the majority of cases, more than 20 years), which is likely to have created a better relationship and attachment with, and communication between, them and the rivers. The data obtained also suggests that childhood experiences have contributed to these relationships.…”

“…Water pollution, factory waste, sewage waste, logging, mining and deforestation have been identified as the major contributors to this decline in natural river resources. In addition, Shaffril et al (2013) and Abu Samah et al (2012) concluded that climate change may be another possible factor, as unstable water temperatures will cause the death of fauna, or drive them to seek other suitable habitats.…”