Enhancing Fishermen's Safety and Catchment through Weather Field School for Fishermen (WFSF)
Across Indonesia and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), extreme marine weather and climate events—intensified by climate change—pose serious risks to fishermen’s lives and livelihoods. To address these challenges, the Weather Field School for Fishermen (WFSF) equips fishing and aquaculture communities with the knowledge and tools to understand marine weather, interpret forecasts, and adopt effective safety measures.
Launched in 2016 and now operating in 203 locations across Indonesia, WFSF blends traditional knowledge and practices—such as observing seabird movements or local wind patterns—with modern meteorological services and tools like the Ina-WIS platform for real-time weather and fish-location forecasts. This hands-on, people-centered approach helps fishermen reduce risks, optimize fishing operations, and strengthen climate resilience, while maintaining cultural heritage.
Key highlights applying the WMO Capacity Development Framework:
Principle 1: Holistic Approach - Combines local wisdom with modern science, and integrates inputs from government agencies, fishing communities, NGOs, academia, and international organizations (WMO, IOC-UNESCO).
Principle 2: Sustainability - Fully funded by the Government of Indonesia and endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, ensuring national commitment and opportunities for international scaling.
Principle 3: Prioritization - Targets the most vulnerable fishing zones using hazard mapping and socio-economic assessments, focusing on areas prone to cyclones, storm surges, and high marine dependence.
Principle 4: Efficiency and Innovation - Uses mobile apps and the Ina-WIS system to provide tailored, species-specific fish location and weather data, improving fishing efficiency and reducing costs.
Principle 5: Cooperation and Inclusion - Engages multiple stakeholders and supports gender-sensitive outreach, with growing attention to women’s roles in fish processing and logistics.
Principle 6: Result-Based Approach - Demonstrates measurable benefits, including safer operations, improved decision-making, and increased income through reduced fuel use and better planning.
Lessons Learned and Recommendations:
WFSF proves that last-mile, community-centered design—built on trust, local traditions, and participatory training—dramatically improves marine safety and livelihoods.
Success stories include fishermen in Kupang who averted major losses during Tropical Cyclone Seroja thanks to WFSF training.
To sustain and expand its impact, the program recommends structured long-term evaluation, stronger inclusion of women and small-scale fishers, and donor-supported replication in other vulnerable regions, particularly the South-West Pacific.
The Weather Field School for Fishermen stands as a model of integrated science and community action, safeguarding lives and strengthening food security in the face of climate change.