BACKGROUND The study reveals how qualitative approaches matter in climate and ocean change research. Prior to the 1990s, the emphasis was on deciphering climate change factors and causal relationships, developing numerical climate change models and scenarios, and predicting probable consequences. With the increased acceptance of the inevitability and severity of human-induced global warming, climate mitigation and transformation are becoming more important areas of climate policy and research. Nevertheless, qualitative methods are still important in climate and ocean change research. It is vital to educate not only about qualitative research but also about the concrete empirical insights that can be derived from qualitative data as compared to quantitative data. METHOD This study presents empirical findings about climate and ocean change adaptation in Norwegian coastal fisheries. To further explain such contradicting assertions, social psychologists can apply self-categorisation theory. KEY FINDINGS The study finds that the degree to which a person expresses worry is determined by the severity of the situation and the importance of the person's identity. Also, he noted that conflicting remarks reflect a struggle between avoiding and confronting climate change. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the study reveals that qualitative approaches are more likely to reveal underlying concerns than quantitative ones. It critiques quantitative approaches, highlighting that they are more likely to make the mistake of assuming there is no climate concern.