Context:
The Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, launched the Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025, aimed at generating comprehensive and real-time data on India’s marine fisheries sector.
Key Highlights:
About National Marine Fisheries Census 2025:
• It is the 5th edition of the Marine Fisheries Census.
• A coast-wide national activity.
• Fully funded by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India.
Nodal and Implementing Agencies:
• Nodal Agency: ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
• Operational Partner: Fishery Survey of India (FSI)
Coverage Area:
• Covers 13 coastal States and Union Territories, including:
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Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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Lakshadweep
Time Period:
• Core household data collection scheduled for 45 days (extended period).
Features of Marine Fisheries Census 2025:
Digital Architecture (Tech-Based Census):
• Powered by custom-made, multilingual Android apps developed by CMFRI:
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VyAS–NAV: Validation of fishing villages and harbours
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VyAS–BHARAT: Household and infrastructure enumeration
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VyAS–SUTRA: Real-time supervision and monitoring
Expanded Socio-Economic Coverage: (First time)
• Includes data on:
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Total family income
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Homeownership
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Outstanding liabilities
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Sources of credit
Focus on Vulnerability:
• Captures information on:
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Insurance status
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Losses, disabilities, and livelihood risks
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COVID-19 socio-economic impacts on fisher families
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Benefits received under schemes like:
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PMMSY
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PM-MKSSY
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Institutional Mapping:
• New schedules added for mapping:
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Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs)
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Self Help Groups (SHGs)
• Supports collectivisation and strengthening of the fisheries value chain.
Significance:
• Enables better policy planning for:
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Fisheries livelihood support
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Welfare targeting
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Infrastructure development
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Climate resilience and disaster risk planning
• Strengthens India’s Blue Economy framework through reliable data.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Marine Fisheries Census 2025: 5th edition.
• Fully funded by Department of Fisheries (GoI).
• Nodal agency: ICAR-CMFRI.
• Operational partner: Fishery Survey of India (FSI).
• Coverage: 13 coastal States/UTs, including A&N and Lakshadweep.
• Duration: 45 days household data collection.
• Digital apps:
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VyAS–NAV
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VyAS–BHARAT
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VyAS–SUTRA
Issue & Causes:
• Lack of updated and granular fisheries sector data.
• Need for targeted welfare delivery and vulnerability assessment.
Benefits:
• Better scheme implementation and monitoring.
• Accurate livelihood profiling.
• Strengthens marine resource planning.
Challenges:
• Difficult coastal terrain and scattered populations.
• Digital access and enumerator training challenges.
• Ensuring accuracy and avoiding duplication.
Relevant Mains Points:
Importance of Marine Fisheries in India:
• Supports coastal livelihoods and food security.
• Critical component of India’s Blue Economy.
• Contributes to exports and employment generation.
Governance & Institutional Role:
• CMFRI provides scientific support for marine fisheries policy.
• FSI supports operational and survey functions.
• Mapping of FFPOs and SHGs promotes inclusive growth.
Socio-Economic and Vulnerability Focus:
• Capturing liabilities, insurance and COVID impact improves welfare targeting.
• Helps in designing resilience mechanisms for fisher communities.
Link to Government Schemes:
• Strengthens implementation of PMMSY and other welfare schemes.
• Promotes value-chain development through producer collectives.
Way Forward:
• Use census data to develop region-specific fisheries policies.
• Expand insurance coverage and disaster relief mechanisms.
• Promote sustainable fishing and marine biodiversity conservation.
• Strengthen fisher cooperatives/FFPOs for better market access.
• Improve digital governance and transparency in welfare delivery.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS Paper II: Welfare schemes, governance, vulnerable communities.
• GS Paper III: Blue Economy, agriculture allied sectors, sustainable development.
• Prelims: CMFRI, FSI, PMMSY, FFPOs, digital apps used in census.
• Essay: Sustainable livelihoods and marine resource governance.