Understanding Knowledge Acquisition, Adaptive Strategies, Challenges, and Preservation Methods Among Traditional Fishermen in a Digital Age

Abstract

The Riau Islands (Kepri) province of Indonesia boasts an expansive ocean, covering 96% of its territory and fostering a rich heritage of knowledge and maritime culture among its citizens. Traditional fishing communities on Riau Island have thrived for generations, drawing on ancestral wisdom and local expertise. However, the swift rise of digitalization and modernization has triggered a transformative shift in their learning methods and adaptation strategies. This study focuses on: identifying methods of knowledge acquisition, investigating adaptive strategies, unveiling challenges, and exploring knowledge preservation techniques. Through in-depth interviews with more than two decades of experienced fishermen, qualitative data was gathered and meticulously analyzed using NVivo 12 software. The result found that traditional fishermen employ diverse strategies, integrating technology, continuous learning, and data-driven decision-making. They face challenges like limited internet access, cultural traditions, and safety concerns. Yet they preserve wisdom through oral traditions, apprenticeships, and modern tools, ensuring a vibrant fishing legacy. Their resilience highlights the urgent need for digital adaptation and intergenerational dialogue to shape sustainable and innovative fishing communities. Hence, this study recommend to develop sustainable training initiatives, establish community platforms, formulate policies to enhance digital accessibility, and encourage meaningful conversations across generations within traditional fishing communities.