Fisheries Ministry to launch data collection across the country for Marine Fishers Census from November

The Department of Fisheries coordinates a massive data collection for the 5th National Marine Fisheries Census across coastal India.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying will fund and coordinate a massive data collection, covering 1.2 million fisher households across coastal States and Union Territories for the 5th National Marine Fisheries Census in November.

A release from Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute here said the census will document socio-economic conditions of marine fishers and map fisheries infrastructure across country’s coastline. Enumerators selected from local fishing community will gather the data during the 45-day massive exercise.

While the CMFRI is the nodal agency for the survey undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana in mainland India, Fishery Survey of India collects data from Union Territories, including islands. Department Joint Secretary Neetu Kumari Prasad recently chaired a virtual meeting to review the preparations for the Census.

The meeting, which was attended by senior officials from the Ministry, State and UT fisheries departments, FSI and CMFRI, emphasised the importance of cooperation and collaboration between State governments and implementing agencies for census’ success. State Fisheries Department offered their full support to the exercise. The census will gather demographic and livelihood data of fishing communities, and infrastructure details including fishing vessels, gears, harbours, fish landing centres, processing units and cold storage facilities.

Ms. Prasad said MFC 2025 will see a paradigm shift through the adoption of modern digital tools, including mobile-based applications, geo-tagging, and real-time data validation. “This will significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and professionalism in data collection,” she said, adding that the census is crucial to enhance evidence-based fisheries governance, livelihood planning, and sustainable marine resource management in India.

CMFRI Director Grinson George said, “The census will provide vital information to shape policies on marine fisheries management, welfare schemes, and infrastructure development, directly impacting millions dependent on marine livelihoods.”

Customised schedules for data collection and the deployment strategy, which involves local enumerators from marine fishing villages, supervised by regional, State, and district-level coordinators were briefed during the meeting.