SEARCA & CCham/Indonesia/2018–2019
Climate Change, Fisheries Management and the Fate of Sama-Bajau People: A Case Study of the Sama-Bajau People in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
SEARCA/CChAM
Visit Link (opens in a new tab)Description
This SEARCA-supported PhD dissertation by Amar Maruf, completed during 2018–2019, examines the relationship between climate change, fisheries management and the future of the Sama-Bajau people in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Sama-Bajau are a traditionally sea-oriented people whose livelihoods, culture and identity are closely tied to small-scale fishing and marine environments. The study explores how climate change and other marine and coastal pressures, including resource decline and changing management regimes, affect Sama-Bajau communities. It investigates their livelihood strategies, adaptation responses and resilience, and examines how fisheries management policies and institutions either support or constrain their ability to adapt. The research highlights the importance of recognising indigenous and traditional knowledge, social networks and community institutions in adaptation planning. Classed as direct evidence under Livelihoods, Gender and Socioeconomics, the dissertation provides in-depth, community-level evidence on a highly vulnerable group. It underpins SEARCA’s 2026 Case Story Series entry on Sama-Bajau fishers and climate resilience. It is useful for researchers interested in the social and cultural dimensions of climate adaptation, for fisheries managers working with indigenous communities, and for policymakers designing inclusive climate and fisheries policies in Indonesia and the wider region.
Additional Details
- Author(s)
- Amar Maruf
- Type
- SEARCA-supported PhD dissertation
- Aquaculture / Fisheries Dimension
- Small-scale fisheries; Sama-Bajau livelihoods
- Relevance to Climate Aquaculture
- Direct
- Thematic Area
- Livelihoods, Gender & Socioeconomics
- Climate Issue
- Climate change and marine/coastal pressures
- Adaptation / Key Contribution
- Fisheries management, adaptation, resilience and livelihood strategies
- How to Use / Notes
- Underpins the 2026 Case Story Series entry