Aging Population: A Threat to the Sustainability of Fisheries in Terengganu

Abstract

Fisheries have long played a central role in shaping the economic, cultural, and social landscape of coastal communities in Terengganu. However, beyond the well-documented environmental challenges, the sector is now facing a growing threat from demographic changes, particularly the aging of the fishing population. While many studies in Malaysia have examined issues such as overfishing and marine resource depletion, limited attention has been given to the demographic factors that influence the long-term viability of the fisheries sector. This conceptual article explores how the aging workforce threatens fisheries sustainability in Terengganu by contributing to labor shortages, the erosion of traditional knowledge, weak knowledge transfer between generations, and reduced innovation. Relying on secondary data, demographic reports, and existing literature, the study presents a conceptual framework that illustrates how these factors interact to weaken the continuity and resilience of the fisheries sector. The findings suggest that aging is not only a demographic trend but a structural challenge that must be addressed through proactive policy measures. Ensuring the future of fisheries in Terengganu requires strategies that support youth participation, preserve traditional knowledge, and strengthen the capacity of fishing communities to adapt to generational change.