Challenges of small-scale coastal fishermen in the islands around Mersing

This study aims to evaluate the extent of socio-economic conflicts for the survival livelihood faced by the fishermen at the Mersing Islands. These conflicts existed since the announcement of the establishment of Marine Park by Malaysian government. The establishment of marine parks introduces a number of acts, included the Marine Park Act 1985. This act outlines several specific provisions that ultimately have wide implications for the socio-economic interest of the residents. This study uses qualitative method to obtain information that can be used to explain the socio-economic challenges confronting coastal fishermen. In-depth interviews with the affected fishermen were conducted. The analysis found that there were several provisions that have created socio-economic problems among local people. These include the design of marine park reserve, the well-being and comfort of the local community and fisheries zone as per the existing provisions. The findings of the study show that there is therefore a conflict between the need to introduce marine park provisions and the need and interests of small scale fishermen.