Small-scale fishermen on Bintan Island, Indonesia, are exposed to climate change impact, extractive industrialization, and marine pollution, including oil spills during monsoon season. To assess their livelihood sustainability, this research uses five capitals from Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and derived into assessment of 41 indicators. Data were collected and analyzed from 251 fishing households across five areas in proximity to established conservation areas. Results show that despite natural (0.69) and physical capital (0.69) are relatively strong, financial (0.48), social (0.41), and human capital (0.24) remain fragile due to structural exclusion, low education level, and debt reliance. Despite vulnerability, potential strategies show promise through generational diversified vocation, environmental awareness, and income diversification. Results underscore the importance of easier access to fuel, inclusive governance, financial literacy and access, and sustainable practices. Species-specific data on fish and price fluctuations, renewable energy utilization and health effect of marine pollution shall be investigated in future work. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.