Towards Empowering Fishermen Community: A Case Study of Kuala Rompin, Malaysia

Abstract

Fish demand in recent years is rising, due to increase in needs and demand for sea products as part of daily nutrition intake. The decline in fish resources will affect the food security and the livelihood of fishermen in Malaysia. Hence, finding ways to self-manage fisheries is now imperative. Our recent survey at Kuala Rompin, Pahang fishing communities found that there are five main issues faced by fishermen. The identified issues are breached fishing ground, declining in fish abundance, limited access to technologies, alternative employments opportunities and social quality development. These factors have resulted in the decline of catches, which eventually have affected income and the quality of life of local fishermen.  In this paper, apart from the discussions of issues pertaining to fishing industry, we also present our proposed solutions to these identified issues.