The lives of fishermen are highly dependent on sea conditions, especially wave height and wind speed. During certain seasons, wave height and wind speed increase, hindering the activities of fishermen; this season is called the lean season to indicate a shortage of fish for the fishermen and a time when they cannot go to sea. The sea is a vital place for fishermen; if they cannot go to sea, how can they sustain their daily lives? Based on this, the problem formulation in this research is how the impact of the lean season and the adaptive strategies of North Java coastal fishermen respond to the seasonal change into the lean season. The objective of this research is to describe the forms of cultural responses of North Java coastal fishermen in facing the dry season. This research uses a qualitative approach and data collection through in-depth interviews and relevant literature studies. The research results show that the fishing community on the North Coast of Java is experiencing the impacts of economic instability, material losses, savings, and changes in fishermen's routines. Therefore, an adaptation strategy was developed as a response to survive the lean season, which included diversifying jobs such as becoming construction laborers, boat painters, traders, and casual workers. This adaptation strategy is carried out by coastal fishermen in Central Java with limited skills and economic capital.

North coast of Java, lean season, adaptation, fishermen, job diversification