The 5th Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) commenced on April 28, 2025. This census aims to document every marine fisher family, village, fishing craft, and associated infrastructure across India. The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced the launch at the Coastal State Fisheries Meet 2025. For the first time, the census will utilise a real-time validation system through a geo-referenced, app-based platform.
Objectives of the Marine Fisheries Census
The MFC aims to gather comprehensive data on 1.2 million fisher households. It will document demographic and socio-economic statuses, alternative livelihood options, and the impact of government schemes. This data is essential for formulating policies that support the fishing community.
Innovative Data Collection Method
A mobile application named ‘VyAS-NAV’ has been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI). This app enables digital-based data collection and field verification of fishing villages and landing centres. The use of technology ensures accuracy and efficiency in data gathering.
Census Timeline and Coverage
The census will cover approximately 3,500 fishing villages. Enumeration will be finalised between May and June, while family-level data collection will occur from November to December 2025. Local enumerators, aided by the fishing community, will conduct the surveys. The entire operation is expected to conclude by December 2025.
Previous Census Context
The last Marine Fisheries Census was conducted in 2016. It recorded 3,477 fishing villages across 13 coastal states and Union territories. The current census aims to update this datly, reflecting changes and developments in the fisheries sector.
Introduction of Aquaculture Insurance Scheme
During the Coastal State Fisheries Meet, the government revealed the first-ever aquaculture insurance scheme. This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). It aims to mitigate risks for marginalised farmers involved in aquaculture.
Insurance Coverage Details
Farmers can opt for basic insurance covering losses from natural calamities or comprehensive insurance, which also includes disease coverage. The insurance is designed for registered aquafarmers, firms, cooperatives, and organisations in the fisheries value chain. Specific details regarding premiums and coverage amounts are yet to be disclosed.
Government Support and Funding
The Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated projects in seven coastal states and UTs. These projects have a total outlay of Rs 255 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This financial support aims to enhance the fisheries sector and improve livelihoods.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of the Marine Fisheries Census on the livelihoods of coastal communities.
- Critically discuss the role of technology in modernising data collection in fisheries management.
- Estimate the significance of the aquaculture insurance scheme for small-scale farmers in India.
- Analyse the challenges faced by the fisheries sector in India post the 2025 census implementation.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of the Marine Fisheries Census on the livelihoods of coastal communities.
- The census aims to document 1.2 million fisher households, providing comprehensive data for policy formulation.
- Improved data can lead to targeted government schemes and financial support for fishing communities.
- Enhanced understanding of socio-economic status can help identify alternative livelihood options.
- Real-time data collection may lead to better resource management and sustainable fishing practices.
- The census can facilitate community engagement and empowerment through active participation in the data collection process.
2. Critically discuss the role of technology in modernising data collection in fisheries management.
- The ‘VyAS-NAV’ app allows for geo-referenced and real-time data collection, increasing accuracy.
- Technology enables efficient field verification of fishing villages and landing centres.
- Digital platforms can streamline data processing and analysis, reducing time and errors.
- Real-time validation ensures timely updates and responsiveness to changing fishing conditions.
- Technology encourages greater transparency and accountability in data collection and management.
3. Estimate the significance of the aquaculture insurance scheme for small-scale farmers in India.
- The scheme provides financial security against losses from natural calamities and diseases, crucial for small-scale farmers.
- It aims to mitigate risks, encouraging more farmers to engage in aquaculture activities.
- Registered aquafarmers and cooperatives can benefit, enhancing their economic stability.
- The insurance scheme is part of broader government efforts to support marginalized farmers in the fisheries value chain.
- It can promote sustainable practices by reducing the financial burden of crop failures.
4. Analyse the challenges faced by the fisheries sector in India post the 2025 census implementation.
- Data accuracy and coverage may be hindered by logistical issues and local resistance to surveys.
- Integration of new data into existing frameworks may face bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.
- Ensuring the effective implementation of government schemes based on census data can be challenging.
- Post-census, the fisheries sector may still struggle with overfishing and environmental degradation.
- Small-scale farmers might face difficulties in accessing the benefits of the aquaculture insurance scheme due to lack of awareness.
