Shellfish Fishers’ Local Livelihoods and Ecological Sustainability in Tanjungbalai-Asahan

Syafaruddin Marpaung

Authors

Syafaruddin Marpaung SMA Negeri 2 Kota Tanjungbalai, Jl.Jamin Ginting KM 4,5 , Kota Tanjungbalai 21367, Indonesia

Keywords:

coastal community, ecological sustainability, local livelihoods, shellfish fishers, Tanjungbalai-Asahan

Abstract

Shellfish fishers in Tanjungbalai-Asahan represent a coastal community whose livelihood is closely connected to ecological change, local knowledge, and social resilience. This article examines how shellfish-based livelihoods are shaped by environmental pressure, declining catches, shifting shellfish grounds, and community adaptation around Teluk Nibung and the pontoon area. Using a qualitative coastal socio-cultural case study, data were collected through limited participant observation, semi-structured interviews, field notes, and visual documentation. The findings show that shellfish fishing is not merely an economic activity, but a social-ecological practice involving collective labor, family participation, local ecological knowledge, and informal coastal networks. Fishers interpret changes in water conditions, mud texture, seasons, and shellfish habitats through everyday experience. However, their knowledge is increasingly challenged by sedimentation, pollution, seasonal uncertainty, and fishing intensity. The study argues that ecological sustainability must include livelihood security, community participation, and recognition of small fishers’ voices in coastal governance. Therefore, protecting shellfish resources also means protecting local knowledge, social solidarity, and the cultural continuity of coastal communities in Tanjungbalai-Asahan.

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