Social research training for fisheries scientists in Indonesia

Effective fisheries management depends not only on biological science but also on understanding people, livelihoods and governance. In February 2025, Charles Sturt supported this need by delivering specialised social research training to fisheries scientists from the Indonesian Research and Innovation Agency in Jakarta. The initiative responded to recognised gaps in social science skills among natural resource researchers working in complex community and policy settings.

Over five days, Charles Sturt Gulbali Institute researchers Drs Joanne Millar and Amy Fallon delivered a practical training course supported by the Crawford Fund NSW Committee. Participants learned how to design, implement, analyse and communicate qualitative social research to strengthen fish conservation programs. Scientists developed semi-structured interview guides and conducted stakeholder interviews at a local fish market, engaging vendors, consumers, processors and transport workers.

Participants analysed findings, discussed ethics and explored data triangulation to improve research rigour. The program also built skills in publishing, integrating social research into work programs, and communicating findings effectively.