Dolphin-Watching Tourism as an Instrument for Delivering Justice and Social Empowerment of Marginalized Artisanal Fishers in Kiluan, Lampung, Indonesia

In this article, we reflect on testimonials of marginalized artisanal fishers, who have adopted dolphin-watching tourism as a supplementary livelihood in Kiluan, Lampung province, Indonesia. These fishers are marginalized predominantly owing to extreme poverty and unsafe working conditions, as they compete for a diminishing resource against industrial large-scale fishers. Dolphin-watching tourism is occupationally similar to fishing and has the potential for being an ideal supplementary livelihood. This preliminary study aims to explore and to ascertain its potential to contribute to social empowerment and eliminate injustices. The research design incorporates a qualitative methodological approach within a transformative paradigm, informed by informal interviews and observations. Dolphin-watching tourism is creating opportunities such as income and passive learning (e.g., tourists teaching locals) but there are also risks (cultural harm, community power imbalances and impacts to dolphins). Our critical observations include the adoption of strategies in mindful planning and promoting capacity building. The article supports the idea that dolphin-watching tourism is an ideal supplemental livelihood, highlighting the importance of the linkage between marginalization, poverty eradication, and social empowerment, to attain blue justice and relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).