STRATEGI SURVIVAL NELAYAN DALAM MENGHADAPI BERBAGAI KERENTANAN DI KELURAHAN SAPOLOHE KABUPATEN BULUKUMBANIM.: 24202031004Andira NurqalbiauthorThe abundance of natural resources, particularly in the marine sector, has made Bulukumba Regency a maritime region with approximately 13,000 fishermen. Such vast potential should make fishing a promising occupation capable of providing a decent standard of living. However, the reality in the field remains far from ideal, especially in Sapolohe Village, where the majority of residents are small-scale or traditional fishermen who experience a relatively high level of vulnerability compared to large-scale or modern fishermen. This study aims to analyze the various vulnerabilities faced by fishermen, the survival strategies they employ, and the impacts of these strategies on their economic conditions and welfare. This study employs a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation, and were analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing techniques. The study is grounded in Vulnerability Theory, Livelihood Strategy Theory, and Economic Welfare Theory. The findings reveal that fishermen experience four main forms of vulnerability: environmental vulnerability in the form of climate and weather changes; economic vulnerability in the form of fluctuating fish prices; technological vulnerability caused by damage to fishing equipment due to the continued use of simple and traditional production tools; and political or policy vulnerability resulting from increases in fuel prices. Despite these challenges, fishermen are able to survive by utilizing both informal and formal survival strategies. Informal survival strategies include mappatulung (mutual assistance), saving practices, borrowing systems, livelihood diversification, as well as beliefs and taboos related to fishing activities. Meanwhile, formal survival strategies consist of social assistance programs, the establishment of fishermen groups and the provision of support facilities for fisheries business actors, fishermen insurance, and aquaculture insurance. Informal survival strategies have proven effective in helping fishermen respond quickly to vulnerabilities because they are flexible and easily accessible. However, these strategies generally only enable households to maintain a subsistence level of living and, in some cases, may create economic consequences in the future. On the other hand, formal survival strategies provide more structured protection and have greater potential to improve fishermen’s welfare. Nevertheless, their impacts do not occur instantly but develop gradually and depend largely on the ability of fishermen’s households to manage and utilize the support they receive. Theoretically, the findings of this study reinforce and extend the application of Vulnerability Theory, Livelihood Strategy Theory, and Economic Welfare Theory in explaining the living conditions of fishermen in Sapolohe Village, Bulukumba Regency.307.14 Pengembangan Masyarakat2026-06-08UIN SUNAN KALIJAGA YOGYAKARTA;FAKULTAS DAKWAH DAN KOMUNIKASIThesis