Indah Susilowati
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly recognized as a strategic enabler for strengthening the viability of small-scale fisheries, yet its effectiveness depends on the ecological and institutional contexts in which it is adopted. This study investigates how ICT influences the transition from vulnerability to livelihood viability among small-scale fishers in Demak and Pati, Central Java. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed by integrating quantitative bioeconomic analysis using the Gordon–Schaefer model and Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) indicators with qualitative evidence from in-depth interviews, field observations, and data triangulation. The findings demonstrate that ICT does not directly improve livelihoods; instead, it operates through a pathway that reduces environmental uncertainty by providing timely weather and fishing-ground information, enabling fishers to optimize trip planning, reduce fuel consumption, improve fishing efficiency, and increase economic returns. However, these benefits vary substantially between locations. In Pati, healthier fish stocks, clearer governance of the fishing zone, and stronger institutional support enable ICT to generate greater productivity gains and livelihood improvements. In contrast, in Demak, ecological degradation and intensive resource exploitation constrain the effectiveness of ICT, limiting its contribution despite relatively higher digital literacy among fishers. These findings suggest that ICT should be understood as a complementary rather than a standalone intervention. Its contribution to livelihood viability depends on the interaction between technology adoption, ecological sustainability, institutional governance, and adaptive resource management. The study highlights that digital transformation in small-scale fisheries must therefore be accompanied by sustainable fisheries management and strengthened institutional capacity to achieve long-term livelihood resilience.