Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Pesisir melalui Adaptasi Ekonomi Biru di Widuri, Pemalang, Pantai Utara Jawa

Abstract

Fishing communities on the North Coast of Java in Pemalang Regency face economic vulnerability due to climate change, extreme weather, coastal sedimentation, rising operational costs, and declining catch productivity, making livelihood diversification essential. Based on the blue economy paradigm integrating economic growth, environmental sustainability, and well-being, this community engagement initiative by lecturers and students of Diponegoro University, in collaboration with Marine and Coastal Resource Management, Hydrodynamics Technology Research Center—BRIN, aimed to strengthen the economic adaptive capacity of fishing households through freshwater fish farming. The programme employed a Participatory Rural Appraisal approach involving observation, blue economy awareness, technical training in catfish and tilapia farming, feed and water quality management, marketing, business mentoring, and monitoring and evaluation. Tarpaulin ponds and a simple biofloc system were introduced, offering flexible land requirements, a 2–4-month harvest cycle, and strong market potential. Activities included dialogue, film screenings, practical training, and access to digital resources, supported by qualitative analysis through data reduction, thematic categorization, interpretation, and synthesis. The results indicated improved understanding of the blue economy, aquaculture skills, community-based enterprise development, and additional income that strengthened economic resilience during lean seasons. Sustainable adaptation requires continuous support, access to capital, and stronger market networks.