What is the Upcoming Nationwide Marine Fisheries Census?
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Synopsis
A pivotal nationwide initiative aimed at documenting India's marine fishing community kicks off on Friday, October 31. This marks the commencement of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025, a significant move towards sustainable fisheries management and policy-making.
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide effort to document marine fishing communities.
- Involves over 1.2 million fisher households.
- First fully digital and geo-referenced census.
- Supports sustainable fisheries management.
- Inauguration by Union Minister George Kurian.
Kochi, Oct 29 (NationPress) An extensive national initiative to catalog India’s marine fishing community is set to commence on Friday (October 31), signifying the initiation of household enumeration as part of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025.
This initiative encompasses over 1.2 million fisher households throughout all coastal states and Union Territories, aiming to furnish essential baseline data for sustainable fisheries management and policy development.
The census will be officially inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian during a national workshop at the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) at 10 a.m.
This program is coordinated by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, as part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The CMFRI acts as the nodal agency, with the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) serving as the operational partner.
For a duration of 45 days, trained enumerators from local fishing communities will survey every marine fisher household nationwide to collect data on demographics, livelihoods, and fishing assets.
The MFC 2025 represents a significant technological advancement as the first completely digital and geo-referenced marine fisheries census.
CMFRI has crafted specialized mobile and tablet applications to guarantee precise and swift data collection.
Two primary digital tools—VYAS–BHARAT and VYAS–SUTRA—will also be introduced to facilitate real-time data analysis and integration.
This census is anticipated to yield critical insights for enhancing the socio-economic conditions of coastal fishing communities and fortifying India’s marine resource governance.
After the launch, Kurian will inaugurate the National Marine Fisheries Data Centre (NMFDC) at the CMFRI, which will function as a centralized repository for fisheries data across the nation.
Economic Advisor Dr Ajay Srivastava will chair the event, with notable dignitaries including MP Hibi Eden, MLA T.J. Vinod, Union Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George, CIFT Director Dr George Ninan, and FSI Director General Dr Sreenath K.R. scheduled to address the gathering.
Point of View
The commencement of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census underscores India's commitment to sustainable fishing practices and the welfare of its coastal communities. This initiative not only aims to gather crucial data but also demonstrates the government's dedication to informed policy-making and resource management, which are vital for the long-term health of our marine ecosystems.
NationPress
30/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census?
The 5th Marine Fisheries Census aims to collect essential data on India's marine fishing community to support sustainable fisheries management and informed policy-making.
How many fisher households will be surveyed?
The census will cover over 1.2 million fisher households across all coastal states and Union Territories in India.
Who will inaugurate the census?
The census will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian.
What technology will be used in the census?
This census will be the first fully digital and geo-referenced marine fisheries census, utilizing mobile and tablet applications for data collection.
What is the expected outcome of the census?
The census is expected to generate vital insights for improving the socio-economic well-being of coastal fishing communities and enhancing marine resource governance.
