Communication Strategies of the Malabero Coastal Fishermen’s Group in Responding to the Decline in Fish Catch

This study aims to identify and explain the communication strategies employed by the Malabero Beach Fishermen’s Group in Bengkulu City in dealing with the decline in fish catches. This study employed a qualitative method with a case study approach. The research informants were selected using purposive sampling and consisted of the group leader, senior members, and active fishermen. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis employed the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The study was analyzed using Hafied Cangara’s (2016) communication strategy theory, which encompasses five elements: communicator, message, media, receiver, and effect. The findings show that the communication strategies employed by the Malabero Beach The findings show that the communication strategies employed by the Malabero Beach Fishermen’s Group involved open communication, deliberation, and a family-oriented approach. The group leader and senior members acted as communicators in directing the members, while the messages conveyed included information about fishing locations, weather conditions, wind direction, sea conditions, and appeals to maintain group solidarity. The communication media used included face-to-face communication at the fishing base and mobile phones while at sea. Although mobile phone network connectivity posed a challenge, group members were able to adapt through direct communication. These communication strategies helped maintain coordination, strengthen cooperation, increase participation, and preserve group solidarity in dealing with the decline in fish catches.