<![CDATA[Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of profit-sharing patterns, income, and time spent at sea on the welfare of fishermen and boat owners in Labuhan Village, Sreseh District, Sampang Regency. The study addresses whether these factors individually and simultaneously influence the welfare of fishery business actors.Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research design with a survey approach was employed. Data were collected using questionnaires administered to 71 respondents, comprising 37 fishermen and 34 boat owners directly involved in the profit-sharing system. Statistical analysis was used to test the partial and simultaneous effects of profit-sharing patterns, income, and time spent at sea on welfare.Findings: The results indicate that profit-sharing patterns do not significantly affect the welfare of fishermen and boat owners. In contrast, income and time spent at sea have significant positive effects on welfare. Higher and more stable income improves the fulfillment of basic needs, while longer fishing duration potentially increases catches despite higher risks and operational costs. Simultaneously, income and time spent at sea significantly contribute to welfare improvement.Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to a single coastal area with a relatively small sample size. Future research should include broader geographic coverage and additional variables affecting welfare.Practical implications: Policies aimed at enhancing small-scale productivity and stabilizing income streams can significantly uplift the economic resilience of coastal communities. Furthermore, formalizing micro-business partnerships between boat owners and fishermen is crucial for long-term entrepreneurial sustainability in coastal ecosystems.Social implications: Improved welfare can strengthen the socioeconomic conditions and sustainability of coastal communities.Originality/value: This study offers novel empirical insights into coastal entrepreneurship by evaluating how traditional profit-sharing arrangements operate as rigid social institutions rather than dynamic economic incentives, thereby shifting the discourse toward institutional sustainability and resource allocation efficiency in emerging artisanal fisheries. ]]>
