Background and objective: The coastal fishing communities in the Mekong Delta are encountering increasing threats from climate change and the loss of marine resources, jeopardizing the viability of their traditional livelihoods. While indigenous ecological knowledge has historically facilitated environmental adaptation, its current significance amidst fast socioecological transformation is not yet fully comprehended. This study investigates the mobilization, transformation, and limitations of knowledge in developing adaptive strategies among coastal fishers, intending to enhance inclusive and contextually relevant fisheries governance and coastal resource management.Methods: The research used a qualitative methodology that integrates in-depth interviews and participant observation in two coastal locales, An Thủy commune and Sông Đốc municipality. Thirty interviews were carried out with male and female fishers of varying ages and fishing experience, focusing specifically on elder knowledge holders. Field observations were conducted throughout the seasons, and all data were meticulously documented in comprehensive field diaries for thematic analysis.Results: Research indicates that fishers' indigenous knowledge functions within two interconnected domains: (i) hydrometeorological knowledge and (ii) marine resource knowledge. Fishers utilize a locally integrated early-warning system grounded in multimodal environmental data and lunar calendars to optimize fishing schedules and mitigate danger. They also delineate micro-fishing areas and seasonal species trends, enhancing operational efficiency and mitigating uncertainty. This information is culturally embedded in folk expressions and occupational standards, promoting ethical relationships with the sea and facilitating intergenerational transmission. Nonetheless, its adaptive efficacy is progressively limited by resource exhaustion, heightened competition, and an increase in extreme weather events.Conclusion: Indigenous knowledge is a crucial adaptive resource for coastal communities; nevertheless, its primarily oral transmission and concentration among elder fishers render it susceptible to erosion. The systematic documenting and institutional integration of this knowledge are crucial for enhancing community resilience and advancing sustainable fisheries governance.
Dương Hoàng Lộc (Sat,) studied this question.